In mid-December 2025, U.S. military activity near Venezuela escalated with the tracking of electronic warfare aircraft and the declaration of a naval blockade.
Tracking and Deployment:
- Growler Activity: At least two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets, with callsigns such as GRIZZLY, were tracked on December 10 and 12, 2025, operating in loops north of the Gulf of Venezuela.
- Support Units: The Growlers were accompanied by F/A-18 Super Hornets (callsign RHINO) and supported by maritime surveillance drones, such as the MQ-4C Triton.
- Forward Basing: A contingent of six Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-132 is currently deployed at the reactivated Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico. This base now hosts the largest U.S. military presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
Strategic Context:
- Naval Blockade: On December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
- “Operation Southern Spear”: This expanded security mission focuses on dismantling the Cartel de los Soles, which Washington alleges is led by President Nicolás Maduro.
- Mission Role: Growlers are specialized for electronic warfare, including jamming radar and disrupting communications. Military analysts suggest their presence is intended to probe Venezuelan air defenses and prepare for potential kinetic operations.
Response from Venezuela:The Venezuelan government has denounced these flights as an “illegal incursion” and a “hostile provocation”. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that Venezuelan air defenses are on high alert. At the same time, President Maduro has accused the U.S. of seeking regime change under the guise of counter-narcotics.
