Venezuela” data-eio=”l”/>The United States Southern Command conducted a joint air patrol off the coast of Venezuela with an F-35 fighter jet, a Navy P-8 patrol boat and an Air Force KC-46 tanker plane.
The operation, called Joint Air Presence Coastal Patrol, seeks to demonstrate the “persistent presence” of US forces in the region and its commitment to hemispheric security, indicated this Monday the commander of the military organization, General Francis Donovan, in X.
“High state of preparation”
Donovan noted that the forces deployed in the Caribbean maintain a “high state of readiness” and that the Lanza del Sur Joint Task Force is ready to act against drug trafficking and terrorism operations in the region, in line with US President Donald Trump’s priorities of protecting national security.
The same Friday he highlighted that the Southern Command Supports US Ambassador Laura Dogu and US Government Partners in his effort to consolidate a “free, safe and prosperous” Venezuela.
A Venezuela aligned with Washington, according to the high command, will allow renewed cooperation in security matters, with benefits for citizens and the stability of the Western Hemisphere.
The operation occurs weeks after Donovan met in Caracas with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, and members of his cabinet, including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
The meeting, which lasted approximately one hour, focused on bilateral cooperation to combat drug trafficking, terrorism and irregular migration.
The meeting occurred weeks after the capture by the US army of Nicolás Maduro, transferred to the United States to face charges related to narcoterrorism.
In addition to Donovan, Ambassador Laura Dogu and Joseph Humire, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for National Defense and the Americas, participated in the visit.
The interim president has also met with the director of the CIA, John Ratcliffe, and the Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, to evaluate security and the country’s oil industry.