Heightened Aerial Activity Intensifies Pressure on Venezuela

(MENAFN) Public aircraft-tracking platforms revealed that two US Navy F/A-18 fighter jets neared Venezuelan airspace around midday Tuesday, undertaking a prolonged flight above the Gulf of Venezuela as Washington amplified its pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

Information from portals such as Flightradar24 showed that the fighter aircraft traversed the narrow gulf and executed over thirty minutes of aerial maneuvers above the Gulf of Venezuela, attracting substantial public attention as thousands followed their live trajectory online.

A US defense representative validated the operation, noting that the Department of Defense “conducts routine, lawful operations in international airspace, including over the Gulf of Venezuela.”

“We will continue to fly safely, professionally, and in accordance with international law to protect the homeland, monitor illicit activity, and support stability across the Americas,” the representative, speaking under the condition of anonymity, informed a news agency.

The development unfolded amid a notable intensification of military friction and US activities directed at Venezuela.

Strains increased last Saturday following US President Donald Trump's declaration that the airspace “above and surrounding” Venezuela was to be regarded as closed “in its entirety.”

The US has executed no fewer than 22 strikes in both the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean against vessels suspected of carrying narcotics since September, resulting in at least 87 fatalities.

Last week, Trump repeated his caution that he would soon initiate efforts aimed at Venezuelan drug-trafficking networks "by land."

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