(BOSSIER PARISH, La.) — Three B-52 bombers departed from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on Wednesday and flew for several hours off the coast of Venezuela. This operation is seen as a significant display of military strength by President Donald Trump. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber known for its use in conflicts such as those in Iraq and Syria. It also has the capability to carry nuclear weapons.

On the same day, Trump confirmed that he had authorized CIA operations in Venezuela, citing concerns over the flow of migrants and drugs from the country. He also indicated that his administration is considering land strikes within Venezuela. When asked about the next steps in the administration's efforts against drug cartels, Trump stated, "Well, I don’t want to tell you exactly, but we are certainly looking at land now because we’ve got the sea very well under control."

Earlier this week, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a video showcasing a military strike on a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela. Since September 2, Trump has ordered military actions against at least five boats in the Caribbean Sea, which the administration claims were transporting drugs to the United States, although no evidence has been provided to support these assertions.

The use of military force against drug boats is unprecedented and raises legal concerns. Previous administrations have typically relied on law enforcement agencies to intercept drug shipments rather than military action. This situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as the story unfolds.