Summary
Two U.S. fighter jets were seen flying in circles near the coast of Venezuela. This happened during a time of tension between the U.S. and Venezuela, mainly concerning drug trafficking claims. The U.S. says the latest military actions are part of regular activities.
Key Facts
- Two U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets flew near Maracaibo, Venezuela, on Tuesday.
- The flights lasted about 40 minutes in the Gulf of Venezuela.
- A U.S. official described the flights as "routine training."
- The flights come amid U.S. actions against boats allegedly trafficking drugs from Venezuela.
- President Nicolás Maduro accused the U.S. of trying to destabilize Venezuela.
- An EA-18G Growler jet was also spotted flying near the Venezuelan coast.
- U.S. military activity in the Caribbean includes deploying troops, ships, and jets.
- A former U.S. airbase in Puerto Rico has been re-opened.
