Destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) performed a freedom of navigation operation on Wednesday off the coast of Venezuela, U.S. Southern Command announced. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer sailed through the Caribbean Sea for the exercise, SOUTHCOM said in a news release. Lawrence is in the SOUTHCOM area of operations for anti-drug missions, the command said. “The illegitimate Maduro regime improperly claims excessive controls over those international waters, which extend three nautical miles beyond the 12-nautical mile territorial sea, a claim that is inconsistent with international law,” the command said, referring to the government of Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration recognizes Juan … Continue reading Navy Destroyer Performs Freedom of Navigation Operation Off Venezuelan Coast