Jets Detected Near Venezuelan Airspace
Two US F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets circled the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns about rising tensions. Flight tracking sites first spotted the jets near Maracaibo around 13:00 local time (17:00 GMT). They looped over the gulf for almost 40 minutes.
A US defence official told the Associated Press that the jets were on a routine training flight. Despite this explanation, their presence so close to Venezuela immediately intensified political friction.
Maduro Accuses the US of Destabilization
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claimed the US wants to weaken his government. His accusation followed an interview with Politico in which Donald Trump said Maduro’s “days in power were numbered.” Trump refused to say whether the US could send troops to the region.
Shortly before the Super Hornets arrived, an EA-18G Growler appeared on FlightRadar24. The jet, built for electronic warfare, flew several loops north of Venezuela’s coastline.
Unusual Military Activity in the Region
Since September, analysts have tracked several US military flights near Venezuela. Earlier missions included B-52 and B-1 bombers flying along the Venezuelan coast. The recent appearance of the F/A-18s marks the closest approach in months. They came within 20 nautical miles of the coastline while remaining in international airspace.
The jets did not display their origin or destination. Their transponders activated only when they neared Venezuela. Justin Crump, CEO of Sibylline, said the flights likely aimed to pressure Maduro’s leadership.
Experts Say the Flights Were Probing Defenses
The jets used the callsigns RHINO11 and RHINO12 and conducted six loops. The Growler, flying under GRIZZLY2, circled the coast.
Former RAF air marshal Greg Bagwell told BBC Verify that the jets were likely probing Venezuelan defenses. He explained that the Growler probably gathered signals intelligence while the Super Hornets provided cover. He added that the jets could also test jamming tools and detect active missile sites.
US Expands Its Military Presence in the Caribbean
The US has built up its military footprint in the Caribbean over the past few months. Officials say the move supports anti-drug trafficking operations.
On Tuesday, US Southern Command shared photos of an F/A-18 launching from the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. BBC Verify’s analysis of satellite images suggests that at least nine US military ships have moved into the region.
Satellite photos also show a major change in Puerto Rico. The Pentagon has reactivated the old Roosevelt Roads airbase, which closed in 2004. Crews repaired the runway, and F-35 fighters landed at the site soon after.
Concerns Over Recent US Strikes
The increased military activity comes during a wave of US strikes on boats in the Caribbean. The White House says the targeted vessels were carrying drugs from Venezuela. These strikes have killed more than 80 people and sparked debate over their legality.
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