According to a Washington Post report, U.S. Special Operations helicopters, including MH-6 Little Birds and MH-60 Black Hawks, were sighted earlier this month flying less than 90 miles from Venezuela’s coast near Trinidad, sparking speculation of possible U.S. military operations in or around Venezuelan territory.
U.S. officials have described the flights as training missions under an expanded counter-narcotics campaign targeting alleged drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean.
However, the movements come amid escalating tensions following President Donald Trump’s authorization for the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The U.S. military has reportedly conducted at least five lethal strikes against suspected trafficker vessels in recent weeks, resulting in 27 deaths.
Military analysts suggest that the helicopters likely belong to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) — also known as the Night Stalkers — a unit that provides air support to elite forces such as Navy SEALs and Delta Force.
The deployment of Little Birds points to possible ground insertion or precision missions, while Black Hawks could be used for troop transport and search-and-rescue operations.
The MV Ocean Trader, a converted special operations base ship, has also been operating in the Caribbean near Trinidad and is believed to be providing logistical support for these flights.
Analysts estimate that nearly 10% of U.S. naval power is now concentrated in the Caribbean region — a significant show of force close to Venezuela’s borders.
Venezuelan air defense systems, including Russian-made S-300s, SA-24 shoulder-fired missiles, and anti-aircraft guns, are considered major threats should U.S. aircraft cross into Venezuelan airspace.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan Senate motion seeking to restrict the Trump administration’s lethal actions against alleged traffickers failed last week, effectively leaving the campaign unchecked.
— LeadNaija News International Desk
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