A Venezuelan Air Force C-30H Hercules aircraft, registration FAV-9508, was observed departing Bael and heading south at approximately 11:30 AM UTC on October 2nd, 2025, according to flight tracking data. The flight activity occurred during a period of heightened regional tension, following reports of a potential U.S. ground invasion of Venezuela and subsequent troop deployments. The Venezuelan Air Force has been active in monitoring its airspace. This sighting follows a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft's return to San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 9:36 AM UTC on the same day, after a mission over the eastern Caribbean Sea. Details of the U.S. Navy mission remain undisclosed, but it occurred in the context of escalating U.S.-Venezuela relations. Yesterday's reports indicated that the Trump administration was considering a ground invasion of Venezuela, with over 6,500 U.S. troops reportedly being deployed to the region. Venezuelan forces were said to have responded by deploying anti-air defenses and repositioning troops.
