US deploys fighter jets to Gulf of Venezuela in closest known approach yet, amid rising tension

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Emma BusseyDecember 10, 2025 at 03:40 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The U.S. deployed two F/A-18 fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday in what appears to be the closest known approach to Venezuelan airspace. The jets flew for approximately 30 minutes over international waters north of Venezuela. A U.S. defense official described the flight as a routine training mission to demonstrate operational reach, amid months of increased U.S. military activity in the region. This activity began after U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels linked to Venezuela in September, which the Trump administration justified as efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking. Tensions have risen since November when President Trump advised airlines to treat the region as effectively closed.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 50% Nicolás Maduro ×260% United States ×570% Venezuela ×680%

Keywords

venezuela 90% us military activity 90% fighter jets 80% gulf of venezuela 80% airspace 70% military threat 60% international airspace 50% us tensions 50% drug trafficking 50% routine training flight 40%