【Wen / Observers Network, Wang Shipu】According to the US "The War Zone" website on December 10, real-time aviation data from the Swedish Flight Radar24 website shows that at noon local time on December 9, two US F/A-18E fighter jets entered the sea area northwest of Venezuela and remained in its airspace for at least 40 minutes.

The US military has not commented on the F/A-18E/F carrier-based aircraft approaching Venezuela. A US official told "The War Zone" website: "This is a normal combat training flight by the Ford-class aircraft carrier and platforms conducting training exercises. They are also testing the response capability of Venezuela's sensors and air defense forces, which is part of a military pressure operation demonstrating US capabilities in the Caribbean region."

F/A-18E/F of the USS Ford on social media

US Navy carrier-based aircraft with call signs "Rhino 11" and "Rhino 12" near Venezuela on Flight Radar24

The two aircraft with call signs "Rhino 11" and "Rhino 12" flew at an altitude of about 7,620 meters, less than 161 kilometers northeast of Venezuela's second-largest city, Maracaibo, and then flew north out of the area. From the flight path seen on websites such as FlightRadar24, the aircraft flew over the northern part of Lake Maracaibo in the northwest of Venezuela and also crossed the waters of the Venezuelan Gulf. The flight route was exactly between two key energy production areas of Venezuela, the state of Zulia and the state of Falcon.

The Venezuelan Gulf is a relatively small body of water, surrounded by Venezuela's national territory on three sides. This gulf connects to the famous Lake Maracaibo. The US military had previously tested the country's air defense system. Venezuela claims this gulf as an "internal sea," but the US refuses to recognize it.

In addition to the F/A-18E/F, a pair of EA-18G "Growler" electronic warfare jets with call signs "Bear 1" and "Bear 2" were also recorded by Flight Radar24 in the Caribbean Sea north of the Venezuelan Gulf. At the same time, an MQ-4C "Navy" maritime surveillance drone from the US Navy was also carrying out a mission in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela.

"The War Zone" website notes that it is unclear whether the Venezuelan Air Force attempted to intercept any American aircraft flying over the country's border today. The Venezuelan Gulf and the surrounding area of Lake Maracaibo to the south are strategic locations. In particular, Lake Maracaibo is the country's main oil-producing area. Tankers regularly enter and exit this area, and there are important refineries here.

This incident comes amid rising tensions between the US and Venezuela. President Trump recently said multiple times that the US may take action "soon" to strike against drug traffickers in Venezuela via land. Since August, the number of US troops deployed throughout the Caribbean has significantly increased, with approximately 15,000 personnel currently stationed in the region. This includes the "Ford" aircraft carrier and many other US Navy assets.

Recently, the US has deployed multiple warships near Venezuela's Caribbean Sea under the pretext of "drug enforcement" to put pressure on Venezuela. Venezuela has repeatedly accused the US of intending to instigate a regime change in Venezuela through military threats and expand its military presence in Latin America.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer's Network. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7582109670815351336/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.