Unverified video shows Venezuelan F-16s in the sky after US B-52 Bombers fly near the coast, raising tensions in the Caribbean
The flight of American bombers, the fourth such show of force in recent weeks, intensified tensions between Washington and Caracas already tense over the US-led military campaign, ostensibly aimed at stopping drug trafficking.
The two B-52s flew parallel to Venezuela’s northern coast, circled northeast of Caracas and then turned back to sea, according to flight tracking data from Flightradar24.
America’s fourth operation close to Venezuelan airspace since October
Thursday’s mission marked at least the fourth time U.S. bombers have approached Venezuelan territory since mid-October. Previous operations involved a similar flight of B-52s and two B-1B bombers; this signaled a close American military presence in the South American nation.
The Pentagon did not comment on the attack, but US officials suggested the Caribbean operations were part of a broader effort to dismantle international drug networks.
US military buildup sparks alarm in Latin America
The shift comes as Washington expands its regional footprint. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group deployed to Latin American waters, while F-35 stealth jets were deployed to Puerto Rico. Six U.S. Navy ships are currently patrolling the Caribbean in what U.S. officials describe as “counternarcotics efforts.”
Since early September, American forces have reportedly destroyed 17 ships allegedly smuggling drugs, including a semi-submarine, resulting in the deaths of at least 67 people, according to the Guardian’s website. However, US officials have not yet released evidence proving that these ships are linked to drug smuggling.
The Venezuelan government has repeatedly accused Washington of using counter-narcotics operations as cover for attempts to destabilize the President Nicolas Maduro‘s management. Authorities in Caracas claim the flights and naval movements were “provocative actions” designed to test Venezuela’s air defenses and political resolve.
In response, the Venezuelan Air Force reportedly put on alert its fleet of F-16s, which were originally designed and built in the United States before the two countries severed defense ties nearly two decades ago.
