An aircraft was intercepted and immobilized after entering Venezuelan airspace without authorization and with the transponder turned off.reported the Strategic Operational Commander of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB)General in Chief Domingo Hernández Lárez.
The irregular entry was detected by the FANB’s radar systems in the state of Apure, which allowed the identification and immediate response protocols to be activated.
The aircraft came from the Caribbean without a flight plan
Hernández Lárez explained that the military force received information about this aircraft thanks to the Regional Air Interoperability Treaty between Latin American and Caribbean Countries, which allows cooperation in the detection of irregular flights in the region.
The device would have taken off from a Caribbean island, without submitting a flight plan or maintaining communication with air controls.
Upon entering southern Venezuela, it was declared a target of interest and a hostile vector. Subsequently, he landed on an unauthorized runway located in the Rómulo Gallegos municipality of Apure state, where he was immobilized by Venezuelan forces.
21 aircraft neutralized in 2025
With this operation, The FANB counts 21 aircraft disabled during 2025 and 412 since the implementation of the Airspace Control Lawregulations that empower military authorities to intercept, neutralize or destroy devices involved in illegal activities or that represent a threat to national security.
The strategic commander reiterated that these actions are part of the institution’s commitment to the defense of sovereignty and the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
“Venezuela is a land of peace. We will not allow the violation of our sovereignty; we are not a platform for transnational drug trafficking, we do not produce or consume narcotic substances,” said Hernández Lárez.
The state of Apure, due to its strategic location and its extensive jungle and plains areas, has been identified by authorities as a frequent route for illegal air traffic.
In recent months, the FANB has intensified patrols and supervision in clandestine runways used by groups dedicated to drug trafficking or smuggling.
The military high command has insisted that Venezuela maintains international cooperation with neighboring countries for the detection of irregular flights and the protection of regional airspace.
