Tensions between the United States and Venezuela were rising amid a large US naval buildup in the Southern Caribbean and nearby waters, which US officials say aims to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.
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US President Donald Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central goal of his administration, part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the US southern border.
While US Coast Guard and US Navy ships regularly operate in the Southern Caribbean, this buildup was significantly larger than usual deployments in the region.
A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said on Thursday that seven US warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, were either in the region or were expected to be there in the coming week.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denounced the moves.
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