Special operations helicopters reinforce Trump administration’s military presence near Venezuela, says newspaper

MH-60 Black Hawk heavy attack helicopter over amphibious ship USS San Antonio during operation in the Caribbean Sea, on September 18, 2025. Nathan Mitchell/US Marine Corps A squadron of US attack helicopters was seen flying over a region near the coast of Venezuela, the American newspaper “The Washington Post” said on Thursday (16). ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp The helicopters were from the 160th special operations squadron of the American Air Force, known as “Night Stalkers”, and were spotted carrying out a training exercise less than 150 km from the Venezuelan coast, according to the newspaper, which carried out a visual check of the operation. The 160th Special Operations Squadron is comprised of MH-60 Black Hawk and MH-47 Chinook heavy attack helicopters, and MH-6 and AH-6 Little Bird light helicopters. The squadron also has a division specializing in reconnaissance and intelligence drones. For strategic reasons, the total number of aircraft that make up the “Night Stalkers” is not disclosed. According to the “Washington Post”, images released on social media in early October showed the squadron’s attack helicopters flying in formation over the Caribbean Sea, near oil and gas platforms. The 160th squadron typically uses the MV Ocean Trader to serve as a stealth floating base during its operations. A visual analysis carried out by the newspaper of these platforms that appeared in the photos, together with satellite images that showed what appeared to be the commercial ship MV Ocean Trader — used as a stealth floating base during stealth operations —, indicates that the helicopters were flying over a region northeast of Trinidad and Tobago, about 145 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast. A Trump administration source confirmed to the newspaper the presence of the helicopter squadron and said the aircraft were carrying out preparatory training exercises in case a conflict against suspected drug traffickers escalates. See the videos that are trending on g1 This movement contributes to the possibility of ground operations by the American Army in Venezuela, which became more imminent when US President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorized secret CIA invasions into Venezuelan territory. The helicopters of the American 160th squadron would contribute to the positioning of American troops in an eventual mission. The Washington Post’s US government source, however, said the helicopter exercises should not be interpreted as preparation for an invasion of Venezuela. The helicopter squadron joins a robust Trump administration military fleet, made up of at least eight attack ships, a nuclear submarine and a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, which is stationed in the Caribbean Sea amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the Maduro regime. The escalation of tensions, which began in September, gained new chapters this week. On Wednesday, Trump confirmed that he authorized secret CIA operations in Venezuelan territory, and three B-52 bombers were seen flying over a region very close to the coast of Venezuela. (Read more below) Archive image shows a United States Air Force B-52 bomber plane taking off from the air base in Gloucestershire, England REUTERS/DarrenStaples/Files On Wednesday, the three B-52s were seen flying over the so-called “FIR” —Flight Information Region, for its acronym in English—, an area outside Venezuelan territory, but under the country’s jurisdiction. According to images from the aerial monitoring website FlightRadar, the route traced by the planes resembled an obscene drawing, which could be part of the Trump administration’s psychological warfare strategy. The military presence and statements by the American government show signs that Trump is willing to overthrow Maduro in Venezuela, according to experts interviewed by g1. The Trump administration has previously claimed to be “at war” against Latin American drug cartels, and accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of heading the Los Soles Cartel. The US also increased the reward for Maduro’s capture to US$50 million (about R$272 million). Since September, the United States has been bombing boats in the Caribbean Sea that, according to the Trump administration, belong to narco-terrorist organizations involved in transporting drugs to North American territory. US bombs boat near the coast of Venezuela So far, five boats have been bombed and more than 20 people have died. The most recent bombing occurred on Tuesday (14). (See the video above) Venezuela disputes the justifications given by the Trump administration for the bombings, and the international community also rejects the attacks. Human Rights Watch said the bombings violated international law as they were “illegal extrajudicial executions.” The topic was also the subject of discussion at the UN Security Council this month. Escalation of tensions Trump x Maduro Image shows US President Donald Trump (L), in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2025, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (R), in Caracas, on July 31, 2024. AFP/Jim Watson Experts interviewed by g1 claim that the apparatus sent by the US to the southern Caribbean is incompatible with a military operation to combat drug trafficking. “If you look at the type of equipment sent to Venezuela, it is not equipment for prevention or action against trafficking, or against cartels”, points out scientist Carlos Gustavo Poggio, professor at Berea College, in the USA. Maurício Santoro, PhD in Political Science from IUPERJ and collaborator at the Center for Political-Strategic Studies of the Brazilian Navy, assesses that the US may be preparing for a military intervention in Venezuela. “It’s a very similar situation to that in Iran a few months ago. The volume of military resources that the United States transferred to the Middle East then, and now to the Caribbean, are indications that they are serious,” he said. Here’s what is known about the US operation: At least seven US ships were sent to the southern Caribbean, including an amphibious squadron, as well as 4,500 troops and a nuclear submarine. P-8 spy planes also flew over the region, in international waters. The operation is based on the argument that Maduro is the leader of the alleged Cartel de los Soles, classified by the US as a terrorist organization. The US considers the Venezuelan president a fugitive from justice and is offering a reward of US$50 million for information leading to his arrest. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on military objectives but said the Trump administration would use “full force” against Maduro. The website Axios revealed that Trump asked for a “menu of options” on Venezuela. Authorities interviewed by the American press do not rule out an invasion in the future. Trump has refused to comment on whether he will order a direct attack on Venezuelan territory. On the other hand, the president has already authorized the military to fire on Venezuelan fighter jets that pose a risk to the American operation. Meanwhile, Caracas has been mobilizing military and militia members to defend itself against a possible attack. Civilians are also being trained.

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