Summary
Two U.S. Navy F/A-18 jets flew over the Gulf of Venezuela as part of increased military activities in the region by the United States. This action is seen as pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid ongoing regional tensions. The U.S. has been active in the Caribbean with various military exercises to address drug trafficking and test Venezuela's air defenses.
Key Facts
- Two U.S. Navy F/A-18 jets conducted a flight over the Gulf of Venezuela for about 40 minutes.
- The Gulf of Venezuela is bordered by Venezuela on three sides.
- The U.S. has increased military operations in the Caribbean since September.
- These actions include air, naval, and ground exercises.
- The U.S. Southern Command oversees these activities to support efforts against drug trafficking.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is involved, deploying various aircraft types for this mission.
- The U.S. considers President Nicolás Maduro's leadership illegitimate.
- President Trump expressed concerns about drug trafficking related to Venezuela.
