A strategic U.S. B-52H Stratofortress, designed to carry nuclear weapons, flew near the Venezuelan coastline on Monday, nearing Caracas and escalating military tensions in the Caribbean. This development was reported by media outlets such as El Nacional Costa Rica, Perú 21, and La Nación.
The aircraft departed from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota in the morning and made its way to the Caribbean by late afternoon.
Data from Flightradar24 indicates that the B-52 flew past the Paraguaná Peninsula, performed several loops over a period exceeding thirty minutes, and then headed toward the north-central region of Venezuela, closing in on Caracas before moving towards Puerto La Cruz.
Escalating Military Presence
This flight was not conducted in isolation. According to Perú 21, the bomber was accompanied by at least four F/A-18 fighter jets and two E-2D Hawkeye early-warning aircraft, which are essential for coordinating operations and detecting distant threats.
The maneuver comes at a particularly sensitive time for the area. As noted by La Nación, since September, the United States has bolstered its naval presence in the Caribbean with nuclear submarines, destroyers, and thousands of troops as part of its campaign against the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Airspace Security Concerns
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a security alert for Venezuelan airspace, prompting several airlines to cancel flights to the country.
The U.S. Air Force characterizes the B-52 as a bomber capable of executing strategic attacks, aerial interdiction, anti-ship operations, and surveillance missions over large maritime areas. It is also equipped to carry both nuclear and conventional precision-guided weapons.
Key Questions About B-52 Overflights Near Venezuela
Why did the B-52 fly near Venezuela?
The flight was part of a broader U.S. military strategy to demonstrate presence and capability in the Caribbean, particularly in response to tensions with the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.
What are the capabilities of the B-52 bomber?
The B-52 is a versatile bomber capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons. It can perform strategic strikes, air interdiction, anti-ship operations, and maritime surveillance missions.
How did other aircraft support the B-52's mission?
The B-52 was supported by F/A-18 fighter jets and E-2D Hawkeye early-warning aircraft, which help coordinate operations and provide long-range threat detection.