US Aircraft Buzz Venezuela Coast as Conflict Fears Mount

• US military aircraft, including jets, bombers, and drones, have been observed circling Venezuela's coast in recent weeks.
• This increased US military presence, including a flotilla of warships, is officially for counter-narcotics efforts, but Venezuela's Maduro views it as a pretext for regime change.
• Specific sightings include F/A-18 jets, B-1 and B-52 bombers, and long-range surveillance drones operating close to the Venezuelan coastline.
• The US has accused Maduro of leading a "narco-terrorist" organization and offered a $50 million reward for his capture.
• President Trump has indicated Maduro's "days are numbered" and did not rule out a potential US ground invasion of Venezuela.

Why It Matters: US military buildup near Venezuela raises fears of escalating conflict.