Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Oct 28: In a significant show of military strength, two US Air Force B-1B bombers were spotted flying over the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela on Monday, marking the third such flight in recent weeks, according to data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24.
The supersonic long-range bombers took off from a base in North Dakota and flew parallel to the Venezuelan coastline before disappearing from radar view. The flight follows a series of similar maneuvers by US aircraft — including a B-1B last week and multiple B-52 bombers the week before — signaling Washington’s heightened military presence in the region.
According to US officials, the flights are part of a broader counter-narcotics operation targeting alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, the military buildup has intensified tensions with Caracas, where the Venezuelan government fears that Washington’s campaign may be a prelude to regime change.
The United States has also deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to Latin America, stationed 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets in Puerto Rico, and positioned seven US Navy ships in the Caribbean as part of the ongoing operation.
Since early September, US forces have reportedly carried out strikes on at least 10 suspected drug-smuggling vessels — including nine boats and one semi-submersible — resulting in the deaths of at least 43 people, according to figures compiled by AFP. Despite these claims, Washington has not yet provided evidence confirming that the targeted vessels were involved in narcotics trafficking.
The escalating military activity has drawn sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who accused the US of “fabricating a war” and attempting to destabilize his government. “These operations are not about drugs — they are about domination,” Maduro said in a recent statement.
Regional observers warn that the US-led buildup could further strain already fragile US–Venezuela relations, as both sides continue to trade accusations over interference and sovereignty violations.