"President Nicolas Maduro praised Venezuelan defence forces for downing 'nine aircraft linked to drug trafficking' along the border areas with Colombia and Brazil during the inauguration of the Nora Castaneda International School of Leadership for Women in Aragua on Tuesday. Maduro called the military operation a 'world record' in the fight against drug trafficking and a significant step in defending Venezuela's national territory. "In 24 hours, the Bolivarian military aviation brought down and eliminated nine foreign aircraft linked to drug trafficking on the border with Colombia and the border with Brazil. Nine: world record. Only Venezuela. Who did it? The Bolivarian National Armed Force, vigilant and steadfast," Maduro said. While President Maduro claimed that nine aircraft were shot down, the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) reported only eight. The operation took place last Monday in the Alto Orinoco municipality, a border area with Brazil. Throughout 2025, 39 aircraft were disabled in Venezuela as part of actions to combat drug trafficking. Maduro also emphasised that Venezuela is "well cared for and protected by its Bolivarian National Armed Forces" and by "women who are empowered, mobilised, and active 24 hours a day." In addition, the president called to "break through the veto and censorship imposed by the US media" about Venezuela and 'share the truth' about the country. "Everything they say is a lie," Maduro stressed, speaking about news broadcasts about Venezuela. The comments come as the US military increases deployments in the Southern Caribbean, citing operations against drug trafficking and organised crime. In addition, the Trump administration has seized two vessels carrying crude oil, following its announcement of a blockade on tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Caracas has called the measure a threat to its sovereignty."