Overview
- The FANB said a Cessna 206 found beside an improvised dirt runway in Apure was declared hostile and destroyed on site after checks showed no flight plan, authorization, or visible serial numbers.
- Officials reported no arrests at the scene but described evidence consistent with drug‑trafficking activity linked to irregular groups operating along the border.
- Separately, the military reported destroying eight aircraft in Amazonas and dismantling four camps in Alto Orinoco, describing the planes as unregistered and operating from illegal strips.
- The updated tally announced by commanders lists 39 aircraft neutralized in 2025 and 422 since Venezuela’s 2012 Airspace Defense Law took effect.
- Leaders framed the actions as counter‑narcotics and sovereignty measures, with President Nicolás Maduro praising the FANB’s readiness as U.S. aeronaval forces operate in the Caribbean and Washington targets Venezuelan shipments.