The United States military flew two fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday, marking what appears to be the closest US warplanes have operated near Venezuelan airspace since the Trump administration intensified pressure on Caracas.
Public flight-tracking data showed two US Navy F/A-18 fighter jets flying over the gulf — a narrow body of water bordered by Venezuela and measuring about 150 miles at its widest point. The aircraft remained over the water for more than 30 minutes. A US defence official later confirmed the jets were conducting what was described as a “routine training flight” in the area.
Routine Flight Near Venezuelan Airspace
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of military operations, said it was unclear whether the jets were armed but stressed that they stayed in international airspace throughout the mission. The flight was not intended as a provocation, the official said, and was comparable to previous exercises meant to demonstrate the reach of US military aircraft.
The US military has previously deployed long-range bombers, including B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer aircraft, to the region. However, those missions generally followed routes along Venezuela’s coastline, with no indication they approached as closely as Tuesday’s fighter jet flight.
Rising Scrutiny Over US Military Operations
The flight comes as Washington has expanded its military footprint in the region to levels not seen in decades. The US has carried out a series of deadly strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
According to available data, at least 87 people have been killed in 22 known strikes since early September. One reported incident involved a second strike that killed two survivors clinging to wreckage after an initial attack. The operations have prompted mounting criticism from lawmakers.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told congressional leaders on Tuesday that he is still considering whether to release unedited footage of the strikes. He provided a classified briefing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior national security officials.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has rejected Washington’s justification for the operations, insisting they are aimed at forcing him from power rather than countering drug trafficking. Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 reported the jets were the most-watched aircraft on its platform during the operation, highlighting the level of public interest.
Venezuela continues to claim the Gulf of Venezuela as part of its national territory, a position long disputed by the United States and international legal scholars, who argue the waters remain international.