US Launches Largest 'Bomber Attack Demo' Near Venezuela as Terrorism Designation for Maduro Nears

The US military staged its largest show of force near Venezuela on Thursday as Washington moves toward formally designating Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and some of his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization known as the "Cartel de los Soles." The operation — described by US Southern Command as a "bomber attack demo" — included multiple aircraft flying off Venezuela's coast and was presented as a signal intended to deter illicit trafficking and to demonstrate military options.

What happened

Over several hours, at least six US aircraft operated near Venezuelan airspace, according to open-source flight data. The deployments included a supersonic F/A-18E launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford, a B-52 strategic bomber and an RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane conducting repeated "racetrack" loops near Venezuela's eastern border. The carrier had arrived in the Caribbean earlier in the week.

Why it matters

The United States informed Congress on Nov. 16 that it intends to apply a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designation to the group referred to as the "Cartel de los Soles," starting a statutory period during which lawmakers can raise objections before the designation takes effect. If applied, the FTO label would prohibit US persons from knowingly providing "material support or resources" to anyone affiliated with the group and would bar designated representatives from entering the United States.

"It gives more tools to our department to give options to the President," said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, describing how the designation could affect US options.

Diplomatic context and military posture

Administration officials say the designation will expand Washington's military and policy options toward Venezuela, though legal experts note that the FTO label on its own does not explicitly authorize lethal force. President Donald Trump has said he expects to speak with Mr. Maduro "in the not-too-distant future," and White House officials have indicated a diplomatic channel remains possible even as forces build in the region.

Earlier this year, a US special envoy engaged in talks with the Maduro government, but those exchanges were suspended last month as the US military increased its presence in the Caribbean. During the prior administration, intermediaries such as Qatar relayed messages between the United States and Caracas; officials say such third-party mediation has not been recently requested.

Operational pattern

The US has conducted air and maritime training missions near Venezuela since mid-October, using B-52 and B-1 bombers and gradually operating closer to the coastline. Flights have focused north of Caracas and near Isla Margarita — an island that Venezuelan forces reportedly used for recent amphibious training. Officials have also reviewed military options for striking Venezuelan military and government facilities, and the president has been briefed on those options.

The situation remains fluid. The upcoming FTO designation and continued US military activity increase pressure on the Maduro government while leaving open both diplomatic and military paths forward.