The Venezuelan government on 21/9 released a letter President Nicolas Maduro sent to his US counterpart Donald Trump earlier this month, a few days after the US military attacked "drug boats" in the Caribbean Sea. In the letter, Maduro rejected US accusations against Venezuela regarding drugs.

"This is the worst fake news launched against Venezuela, aimed at escalating tensions and potentially leading to military conflict that would harm the entire continent," Maduro wrote, calling on the US leader to "maintain peace and equal dialogue."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 15/9. Photo: Reuters

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 15/9. Photo: Reuters

The Venezuelan president expressed his desire for dialogue with his US counterpart to combat "the fake news that is disrupting what should be a historical and peaceful relationship." Maduro asserted that Venezuela is a "drug-free" nation, emphasizing that only 5% of the drugs produced in neighboring Colombia are smuggled into Venezuelan territory.

However, since Maduro's letter, the US military has blown up two more suspected drug boats from Venezuela. The three attacks have killed a total of 17 people.

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have recently increased as Washington has deployed military assets to the Caribbean Sea. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the years-long method of intercepting drug boats has been ineffective, so the US will now "blow up" targets instead of pursuing them.

This action has sparked debate about the legality of the attacks, as drug trafficking is not a capital offense under US law. Washington has also not provided evidence that the boats attacked were actually carrying drugs.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)