- U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighters struck Venezuelan air bases after missile attacks on S-300V and Buk-M2 air defense sites, destroying aircraft on the ground, according to local reports.
- Unconfirmed reports said seven Su-30MK2V fighters were destroyed as part of operations supporting a planned U.S. helicopter landing mission.
U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighter jets destroyed Venezuelan Air Force aircraft during precision strikes on air bases across Venezuela, according to local reports describing the operation.
The reports said Marine Corps F-35s carried out targeted attacks on Venezuelan fighter aviation bases shortly after missile strikes hit areas hosting long-range air defense systems, including S-300V and Buk-M2 units, along with their ammunition depots. The sequence of attacks was described as coordinated to suppress air defenses before engaging aircraft on the ground.
According to the same accounts, the strikes resulted in the destruction of Venezuelan fighter jets stationed at their bases. Unconfirmed reports said seven Su-30MK2V and F-16 fighter aircraft were destroyed. The aircraft were a potential threat to a planned joint U.S. airborne operation involving ground forces.
The reports linked the air campaign to preparations for a joint landing operation involving the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. The operation was described as relying on MH-47G and CH-53E helicopters to carry out ground tasks aimed at seizing and destroying what were described as key military and political assets in Venezuela.
Local sources said the F-35 strikes were executed in a manner that prevented Venezuelan forces from reacting or scrambling combat aircraft. The reports stated that Venezuelan air units were unable to organize a response or launch fighters before the attacks were completed.
Carrier-based F/A-18 Hornet aircraft were also reported to be operating in support of the mission, providing cover for the airborne and helicopter elements involved in the operation. No official numbers were given for the aircraft involved, and no confirmation was provided regarding the scale of the escort mission.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to penetrate defended airspace and conduct precision strikes against high-value targets. Its role in the reported operation was described as focused on suppressing enemy air defenses and neutralizing aircraft before they could be employed.
Earlier reports had described U.S. missile and air attacks on Venezuelan command centers, air defense sites, and government-linked facilities, indicating a broader campaign focused on degrading Venezuela’s ability to coordinate military operations and defend its airspace.