Venezuelan Communications Minister Freddie Iñáñez stated on Tuesday that a video showing a narcotics vessel being struck in international waters by the U.S. is “fake” and allegedly created using artificial intelligence (AI).
On the same day, the U.S. conducted a precision strike against a drug-laden ship in international waters, resulting in the deaths of 11 members from the Trender Raguatellt group. President Trump shared footage of this operation in a social media post, claiming it took place while terrorists were transporting illegal drugs intended for the United States.
Following the video’s release, Iñáñez, who serves as vice president of communications and culture for Nicolás Maduro, took to various social media platforms to label the video as “fake.”
Iñáñez did not provide any proof to back his assertions and mentioned that the video should be seen as “evidence” of accusations recoiled from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the previous Monday.
During an international press conference, Maduro accused Rubio of attempting to implicate Trump in bloodshed related to a supposed “invasion” of Venezuela.
In his analysis, Iñáñez claimed the video’s imagery stemmed from tools like Google’s Gemini AI. He suggested that the portrayal of the ship’s explosion seemed cartoonish rather than realistic.
“The video showcases a ship exploding in an unrealistic way, almost animated rather than lifelike,” Iñáñez noted, arguing such graphical depictions often feature motion artifacts and lack realistic details common in AI-generated content.
He described segments of the video as consisting of various unverified elements and artificial water effects, indicating it appeared more like a deepfake, which can be utilized for various objectives, from entertainment to disinformation.
Iñáñez wrapped up his commentary by claiming that Rubio was pushing for conflict and attempting to smear Trump’s reputation.
He shared a copy of his video analysis on his social media accounts, marking Maduro’s return to these platforms a year after their activity was restricted following a ban related to the Venezuelan elections.
While Iñáñez seemed to navigate social media without hindrance, accessibility to sites like X remains heavily restricted in Venezuela, according to local anti-censorship group reports.
Maduro and his government have often contended that U.S. efforts to combat drug cartels in Caribbean waters are, in fact, veiled attempts to invade Venezuela and overthrow him.
This past Tuesday, Maduro issued a threat, asserting that any invasion suspicions from the U.S. would be countered with “armed struggle.”
He reiterated previous denials regarding narcotrafficking allegations and accused the U.S. of crafting narratives to discredit him, claiming Rubio was determined to taint Trump’s reputation with accusations of an “invasion” of Venezuela.
Although Maduro did not address the video directly in his press conference, he continued to propagate accusations against Rubio, reiterating his stance against the U.S. as “storytelling” without substantiation.
“They [the U.S.] are fabricating tales that people buy into, always presenting themselves as the good guys and us as the villains,” he remarked.
Maduro also alleged that Rubio and Miami’s political influences were heightening persecution of Venezuelan immigrants while fostering hostility against the nation.
He described Rubio, who labeled him a “fascist,” as the genuine force behind the attacks targeting Venezuela aimed at staining Trump’s reputation.
“They want to create a narrative that lacks credibility, dispatching warships as a show of force. Young Americans see through these lies… We are aware of Rubio’s influence within the White House, but I urge the Trump family that the Miami Mafia seeks to sully President Trump’s hands with blood,” he stated.
