Venezuela’s Maduro Warns Trump Against War After US Deploys Bombers, Warship

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated after the US flew B-1 Lancer bombers near Venezuelan airspace and announced the upcoming deployment of a warship in the region.

According to The Wall Street Journal, two long-range B-1 bombers took off from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas on Thursday, flying close to Venezuelan territory while remaining in international airspace. The bombers, capable of supersonic speeds and carrying over 34,000 kilograms of bombs, were reportedly part of a show of force, though US President Donald Trump dismissed the report as “inaccurate,” adding that Washington was “not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accuses the US of attempting regime change, made a rare plea in English, saying: “No crazy war, please! Yes peace, yes peace forever, peace forever,” during a meeting with union leaders.

The bomber flights follow other recent US military operations near Venezuela described as an “attack demonstration” by officials, and highlight the capability of US aircraft to strike anywhere in the Caribbean within hours. US Air Force sources said the bombers could target narcotics production and distribution facilities, echoing Trump’s warning that US forces could also strike land targets if necessary.

Meanwhile, the USS Gravely will visit Trinidad and Tobago from October 26–30 for joint exercises with local forces near Venezuelan waters, with US Marines participating in drills.

The US has carried out counter-narcotics operations since September 2, deploying stealth warplanes and Navy ships, though no concrete evidence has been provided linking the targeted vessels to drug trafficking. Official figures indicate at least 37 people have been killed in these operations so far.