Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a significant display of military power, two US B-1B bombers were spotted flying over the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, according to flight tracking data from Flightradar24. The US B-1B bombers’ flight marks the third such operation in recent weeks, heightening concerns about growing tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The US B-1B bombers took off from a base in North Dakota and flew parallel to the Venezuelan coastline before disappearing from radar. Their presence underscores Washington’s ongoing military campaign against alleged drug traffickers in the region — a move that has raised alarms in Venezuela, where officials fear it could be a prelude to regime change.

This latest mission follows a similar US B-1B bomber flight last week and another involving multiple B-52 bombers the week before. The United States has simultaneously deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to Latin America, along with 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets stationed in Puerto Rico and seven US Navy ships operating in the Caribbean. Officials describe these deployments as part of counter-narcotics operations, but analysts say the scale of the buildup suggests broader strategic motives.

Washington claims its forces have conducted strikes on at least 10 suspected drug-smuggling vessels, including a semi-submersible, killing 43 individuals since early September. However, the US government has not yet provided concrete evidence proving that the targeted vessels were engaged in narcotics trafficking.

The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has condemned the operations, accusing the United States of “fabricating a war” to justify intervention. Caracas claims the presence of US B-1B bombers near Venezuela is part of a larger strategy aimed at destabilizing the region and overthrowing its leadership.

Regional observers warn that the increased military activity could escalate tensions further. While Washington maintains that its campaign is solely focused on combating organized crime, the growing frequency of US bomber flights near Venezuela has sparked fears of confrontation.

As diplomatic relations between the two nations remain strained, the presence of US B-1B bombers off the coast of Venezuela serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between deterrence and provocation in one of the world’s most politically charged regions.

#world news #Global News