Two U.S. Navy F/A-18s flew over the Gulf of Venezuela, flight-tracking data showed on Tuesday, in what observers say is a toughening pressure move on President Nicolás Maduro's regime amid heightened tensions in the region.

The U.S. has ramped up military operations across the Caribbean , including air, naval and ground exercises. Since September, it has conducted boat strikes that killed over 80 people. The Pentagon is under growing scrutiny after a September strike on an alleged drug‑smuggling vessel included a second "follow on" attack that killed survivors, the Associated Press reported, citing two people familiar with the operation.

Why It Matters

Maduro said Venezuela didn't want "a slave's peace," asserting his refusal to bow to U.S. pressure. He reaffirmed commitment to sove

See Full Page