US B-1B Bomber Tracked Near Venezuelan Coast Despite Trump's Denial

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated a B-1B bomber approached Venezuelan coastline on Thursday before turning around.

At least one US B-1B bomber was tracked flying over the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela's coast on Thursday, according to flight monitoring data. This marks the second display of US military aerial presence in the region within a week.

The bomber flight occurred amid ongoing tensions, despite President Donald Trump later incorrectly denying it had taken place. This military activity comes as Washington conducts operations against alleged drug trafficking networks in the area, deploying forces that have raised concerns in Caracas about potential regime change ambitions.

Flightradar24 tracking data captured a B-1B approaching Venezuela's coastline Thursday afternoon before executing a U-turn northward, after which it disappeared from tracking systems.

When questioned during a White House event about reports of B-1Bs near Venezuela, Trump responded by calling the information "false," while adding that the United States is "not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons."

This incident followed approximately one week after US-based B-52 bombers were observed circling off Venezuela's coast for several hours.

The US military characterized that earlier mission as demonstrating Washington's commitment to "proactively deter adversary threats, enhance crew training, and ensure the global force readiness necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge."

As part of what it describes as counter-narcotics operations, the United States has deployed stealth aircraft and Navy vessels, though it has not provided evidence that its targets—eight boats and a semi-submersible—were engaged in drug smuggling.

The US military campaign, which began September 2, has resulted in at least 37 fatalities, according to an AFP count based on US figures.

Regional tensions have escalated due to these operations, with Venezuela accusing the United States of plotting President Nicolas Maduro's overthrow. Maduro announced Wednesday that his country possesses 5,000 Russian-made portable surface-to-air missiles to counter US forces.