US Military Escalates Presence Near Venezuela with Strategic B-52 Bomber Flights

Two American B-52 bombers conducted a flight path along Venezuela's coastline on Thursday, marking what appears to be the fourth demonstration of US military presence in the region within recent weeks, according to flight tracking information.

This latest aerial operation occurs amid Washington's ongoing military campaign targeting alleged narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean. The United States has deployed significant naval and air assets for what it describes as counter-narcotics operations, though these actions have raised concerns in Caracas about potential regime change intentions.

According to Flightradar24 data, the bombers traveled parallel to Venezuela's coast before making a circular pattern northeast of Caracas. They subsequently returned along the coastline before changing course northward and proceeding further into the Caribbean Sea.

Since mid-October, US military aircraft have conducted at least three previous flights near Venezuelan territory, including one earlier B-52 mission and two separate operations involving B-1B bombers.

The United States has substantially increased its military presence in the region, dispatching the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to Latin America, positioning F-35 stealth fighters in Puerto Rico, and maintaining six Navy vessels in Caribbean waters as components of its counter-narcotics initiative.

American forces have conducted strikes against what they claim are drug-smuggling vessels since early September, targeting 16 boats and one semi-submersible craft. These operations have resulted in approximately 67 fatalities, according to US authorities.

However, the United States has not yet provided evidence confirming that the targeted vessels were involved in drug trafficking activities or posed a threat to American security.

Regional tensions have escalated considerably due to this military campaign and buildup, with Venezuelan authorities accusing Washington of orchestrating efforts to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.