US B-1B Bombers Conduct Third Flight Off Venezuelan Coast Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, a pair of B-1B bombers conducted a flight off Venezuela's coastline on Monday, marking the third such display of US military presence in the region within recent weeks.

These long-range supersonic bombers traversed the Caribbean Sea as part of Washington's ongoing military campaign against alleged drug trafficking operations in the area. The deployment has raised concerns in Caracas that the United States may be pursuing regime change.

Flightradar24 data revealed that the two bombers, which departed from a North Dakota base, flew in a pattern parallel to the Venezuelan coast before disappearing from tracking systems.

This recent flight follows a similar B-1B mission near Venezuela last week and another involving multiple B-52 bombers the week prior.

The United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to Latin America, stationing 10 F-35 stealth warplanes in Puerto Rico, and positioning seven US Navy vessels in Caribbean waters as part of what officials describe as counter-narcotics operations.

Since early September, US forces have conducted strikes on at least 10 vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling – nine boats and one semi-submersible – resulting in at least 43 fatalities, according to an AFP tally based on US figures.

However, the United States has not yet provided evidence confirming that the targeted vessels were indeed engaged in drug trafficking activities.

The military campaign and buildup have escalated regional tensions, with Venezuela accusing the United States of plotting to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, who claims Washington is "fabricating a war."