US Military Deploys B-1 Bombers Near Venezuela Amid Drug Trafficking Tensions

The U.S. military has increased its operations near Venezuela, deploying B-1 Lancer bombers from Dyess Air Force Base to the Caribbean Sea, following earlier missions with B-52 bombers and other military assets. These flights, part of ongoing military exercises, coincide with heightened tensions surrounding Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. President Trump has publicly denied that the recent bomber flights were intended to escalate military pressure on Venezuela, though he expressed dissatisfaction with the Venezuelan government over drug trafficking. The U.S. campaign targets vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking, with military strikes resulting in numerous casualties, and Trump suggesting possible future land-based operations against drug cartels. Venezuelan President Maduro has pleaded for peace amid escalating tensions, warning against war while asserting Venezuela's defensive capabilities. The U.S. maintains the military presence as part of counter-narcotics efforts, despite Venezuela's accusations of U.S. intentions to engineer regime change.