Patricia Tappatá resigned from her position with the United Nations mission in Venezuela on October 1st, 2025, citing "difficulties" at work. The announcement was made via a statement shared on social media. While the exact nature of these "difficulties" was not specified, Tappatá's resignation comes as regional geopolitical activities intensify. This includes the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Truxtun docking in Ponce, Puerto Rico, earlier on October 1st, 2025, and reports of a Russian Defense Ministry aircraft transiting near Venezuela. Additionally, leaked emails allegedly detail a drug trafficking air bridge between Venezuela and Belize. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had also announced on October 1st, 2025, a potential shift in the country's defense strategy, signaling a move away from conflict. The timing of Tappatá's resignation in relation to these other events has not been officially clarified. Information regarding the specific contents and authenticity of the leaked emails concerning the alleged Venezuela-Belize air bridge is still pending independent verification, according to reports from OCCRP. The Russian IL-62m aircraft, call sign RFF7181 and registration RA-86495, was tracked east of Granada by Flightwatcher1, with its flight path suggesting a possible transit through Caracas. The USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, arrived at Muelle de Ponce, Puerto Rico, at 12:11 PM UTC on October 1st, 2025. Its mission purpose in Ponce remains undisclosed, according to Flightwatcher1's social media reporting.
