Three B-52 bombers took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on Wednesday and flew for hours near the coast of Venezuela, according to flight tracking data, in what appears to be a major show of force by President Donald Trump.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bombardment Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off for a mission in support of Red Flag-Nellis 25-1, Feb. 6, 2025.
Airman 1st Class Michael Sanders/Nellis Air Force Base
The B-52 is a long-range heavy bomber that has been used in conventional wars in places like Iraq and Syria. But it is also capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he had authorized CIA action in Venezuela due to the flow of migrants and drugs from the country, and indicated that his administration is exploring ground attacks inside Venezuela.
When asked what’s next in his administration’s “war” against drug cartels and whether they were considering ground attacks, Trump said they were looking into it.
“Well, I don’t want to tell you exactly, but we are certainly looking at land now because we have the sea very much under control,” the president said.
On Tuesday, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released video of another deadly attack on a suspected drug trafficking ship from Venezuela.
Since September 2, Trump has ordered military strikes at least five ships in the Caribbean Sea that the administration insists, without providing evidence, were carrying drugs to the U.S. The use of lethal military force against drugs ships is unprecedented and raises legal questions. Previous administrations have relied on law enforcement to intercept drug shipments.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
