US jets tracked circling Gulf of Venezuela as tensions mount

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete December 10, 2025 at 01:34 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Two US F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets were tracked circling the Gulf of Venezuela for about 40 minutes on Tuesday, near Maracaibo. A US defense official stated the flights were a "routine training flight" in international airspace. This event occurs amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, including recent US strikes against boats allegedly trafficking drugs from Venezuela, which have resulted in numerous deaths. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of attempting to destabilize his government. Prior to the flight, Trump indicated Maduro's time in power was limited. An EA-18G Growler jet was also tracked flying loops north of the Venezuelan coast. Experts suggest the US military activity is intended to pressure the Venezuelan leadership.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Trump ×250% Venezuela ×460% United States ×570% Nicolás Maduro ×480%

Keywords

us jets 90% gulf of venezuela 80% tensions 70% f/a-18 super hornets 70% drug trafficking 60% routine training flight 60% international airspace 50% military activity 50% political destabilization 40%