The Gulf of Venezuela witnessed an unusual sight Tuesday: two U.S. fighter jets, F/A-18s, flying closer to Venezuelan airspace than previously recorded. For approximately thirty minutes, the aircraft patrolled the waters north of the country, their movements tracked by observers on Flightradar24.
A U.S. defense official, speaking privately, characterized the mission as a standard training exercise, a demonstration of the jets’ range and capabilities. While the official wouldn’t confirm if the aircraft were armed, they stressed the entire operation remained within internationally recognized airspace.
This event isn’t isolated. For months, the U.S. military presence in the region has been steadily increasing. While B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer bombers have flown along Venezuela’s coast before, these F/A-18s ventured significantly closer.
The heightened activity began following a series of U.S. strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific. The first reported strike against a vessel allegedly originating from Venezuela occurred in September, sparking immediate controversy.
The Trump administration justified these operations as crucial to combating illicit drug trafficking, a claim vehemently denied by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The situation further escalated in November when President Trump effectively declared Venezuelan airspace closed to civilian airlines, echoing warnings from the FAA.
Experts suggest Venezuela’s true military strength may be overstated. Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, a defense analyst, believes U.S. forces could quickly neutralize Venezuela’s air and naval capabilities in a conflict scenario.
This assessment is echoed by Isaias Medina, a former Venezuelan diplomat and international lawyer, who points to limitations in Venezuela’s fighter jets, surface vessels, and even its Russian-made missile systems. The reality, he suggests, doesn’t match the official portrayal of Venezuela’s military might.
Montgomery’s stark prediction – the ability to eliminate the air and maritime threat within the first few days of any campaign – underscores the growing tension and the perceived imbalance of power in the region.
