The Venezuelan National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) announced on Wednesday that they have destroyed an aircraft allegedly associated with drug trafficking in the southwestern state of Apure, which borders Colombia.
This operation marks the 40th aircraft shot down by authorities in 2025.
The FANB's Strategic Operational Command shared in a social media statement that this action was part of the Bolivarian Shield Strategic Operation “Independence 200.”
According to the institution, the aircraft, a white twin-engine with no registration or authorized flight plan, was identified through reconnaissance and patrol efforts in Pedro Camejo municipality.
General Domingo Hernández Lárez, the strategic operational commander, reported that the Comprehensive Aerospace Defense System labeled the plane as “hostile” due to its lack of a transponder and official permits.
The FANB stated that the aircraft was destroyed on the ground “to prevent its reuse by groups that generate violence.”
“This action reaffirms the State’s commitment to a relentless fight against the scourge of drug trafficking,” the statement read, citing direct orders from President Nicolás Maduro.
The FANB maintains that air interdiction operations are a part of defending national territory and serve as an “exemplary model” in the fight against drug trafficking, amid increasing pressure from Washington.
Indeed, this measure comes amidst tension with the United States, which recently deployed naval and air units in the Caribbean Sea under the pretext of combating drug trafficking and announced the destruction of three narco-boats just hours ago.
Caracas views the U.S. operations as a “threat” and an attempt to politically pressure the Maduro administration, which Washington does not recognize.
Since then, Venezuelan authorities have heightened reports of aircraft downings and neutralizations allegedly engaged in illegal drug transportation.
Venezuela asserts that most detected aircraft originate from Colombian territory, while international anti-drug agencies indicate that the country remains a crucial transit corridor for shipments destined for the Caribbean and Central America.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Anti-Drug Operations
What was the purpose of the Bolivarian Shield Strategic Operation “Independence 200”?
The operation aimed to combat drug trafficking activities by targeting and neutralizing aircraft suspected of being involved in illegal activities.
Why does the United States consider Venezuela's actions as a threat?
The U.S. views these actions as politically motivated efforts to pressure the Maduro government, which it does not recognize, and as a challenge to its regional anti-drug operations.