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3d ago

U.S. Confirms B-52 'Attack Demonstration' With Marine F-35Bs Off Venezuela

The Pentagon describes the Oct. 15 flight as a deterrence display tied to counter-drug operations.

An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber with two Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, Oct. 15, 2025.
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Overview

  • Air Forces Southern said three B-52Hs from Barksdale’s 2nd Bomb Wing flew with two Marine F-35Bs off Venezuela on Oct. 15, a mission first traced through public flight data and later confirmed by U.S. officials.
  • The command characterized the sortie as a demonstration of commitment to regional defense, crew training, and global force readiness under counter-narcotics authorities.
  • The operation is part of a broader U.S. buildup in the Caribbean that includes surface warships, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, F-35s and thousands of personnel.
  • The same week, U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats reached seven incidents by Oct. 17 with 32 deaths reported, prompting objections from some members of Congress and the United Nations.
  • President Donald Trump said he authorized covert operations inside Venezuela, and U.S. helicopters conducted training in Trinidad and Tobago in activity experts linked to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.