The US military is stepping up its air patrols near Venezuela amid escalating tensions
In a notable military escalation reminiscent of heightened tensions, the US military its activity in the Caribbean, conducting a series of intensive air sorties near the Venezuelan coast . These operations involved the use of advanced fighter jets, strategic bombers, and reconnaissance drones, raising serious concerns that the already tense situation between Washington and Caracas could spiral into open armed conflict.
Details of US military movements
According to data observed in recent weeks, two US Navy F/A-18 fighter jets flew over the Gulf of Venezuela for more than 40 minutes, approaching within 35 kilometers of the Venezuelan coast. This coincided with a long-range reconnaissance drone flying nearly 800 kilometers over the Caribbean Sea, marking the first such detection of signals in a month.
The movements were not limited to reconnaissance, but included a show of force, as five sorties of strategic bombers of the “B-1” and “B-52” models were recorded, in addition to the appearance of bombers accompanied by “F-35” stealth aircraft in pictures published by the US Army, despite not appearing on public tracking radars.
Context of the tension: Drugs or regime change?
These moves come as Washington mobilizes a massive fleet in the Caribbean under the guise of "counter-narcotics operations." Since September, US forces have launched strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in the deaths of approximately 90 people. The US administration accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a "drug trafficking ring" and has offered a substantial reward for information leading to his capture.
In contrast, the leftist Venezuelan president believes that these accusations and military moves are nothing but a flimsy pretext aimed at "piracy" and changing the political system in Caracas by force, accusing Washington of seeking to control the country's oil wealth.
Geopolitical dimensions and potential risks
This escalation cannot be separated from the historical context of strained relations between the two countries, especially given Washington's adoption of a "maximum pressure" policy against the Maduro regime. This military buildup carries implications that extend beyond bilateral ties, as Venezuela is considered a strategic ally of international powers that rival the United States, such as Russia and China, in America's backyard.
Observers believe that any direct military action, whether a ground invasion as President Donald Trump previously hinted when he said "Maduro's days are numbered," or airstrikes, could destabilize the entire region and negatively impact global energy markets, given Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The region remains on tenterhooks, awaiting the outcome of these air and naval maneuvers.
