Venezuela’s Maduro calls for talks after Trump’s threat over military jets

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has called for dialogue with Washington, hours after President Donald Trump threatened to shoot down Venezuelan military jets if they pose a danger to US forces.

Tensions between the two countries soared in recent days after the Pentagon accused Venezuela of buzzing its ships in the Caribbean following a deadly US strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat.

“None of the differences we have and have had can lead to a military conflict,” Maduro said on Friday in a message broadcast on all of Venezuela’s radio and television networks.

“Venezuela has always been willing to talk, to engage in dialogue, but we demand respect,” he added.

As tensions mount, Washington is deploying F-35 warplanes to Puerto Rico as part of Trump’s war on drug cartels.

The 10 aircraft will join US warships already present in the southern Caribbean as Trump steps up pressure on Maduro, whom the United States accuses of leading a drug cartel.