US B-1B Bombers Fly Off Venezuelan Coast, According to Flight Tracker

A pair of US B-1B bombers flew over the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela on Monday, according to flight tracking data, in the third such show of force by these American military aircraft in recent weeks.

The flight of the long-range, supersonic bombers comes as Washington is conducting a military campaign against alleged drug traffickers in the region, deploying forces that have raised fears in Caracas that regime change is the ultimate goal of the operations.

Data from the website Flightradar24 shows that the two bombers—which took off from an airbase in North Dakota—flew parallel to the Venezuelan coast before disappearing from view.

Recent Escalation in Military Presence

These flights follow another B-1B bomber flying near the Venezuelan coast last week, and B-52s doing so the week before.

The United States has also ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to head to Latin America, deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico, and currently has seven Navy ships in the Caribbean as part of what it calls counter-narcotics efforts.

Disputed Counter-Narcotics Operations

Washington has carried out at least 10 strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels—nine speedboats and one semi-submersible—since September, resulting in at least 43 deaths, according to an AFP count based on U.S. government figures.

However, the United States has yet to present evidence that those vessels were used for drug smuggling.

Regional tensions have increased as a result of the campaign and the accompanying military buildup. Venezuela has accused the United States of seeking to oust President Nicolás Maduro, who in turn has accused Washington of "fabricating a war."