Two United States Air Force KC-46A Pegasus aircraft were observed operating over the Caribbean on October 1st, 2025, potentially in a refueling capacity for F-35B aircraft. The observation was made by Flightwatcher1, who noted the tankers were "almost entirely in the fir maiquetia" region, a reference to Venezuelan airspace, shortly after 12:11 PM UTC. These aerial refueling missions, involving KC-46A tankers, are part of replacement operations for F-35B aircraft based in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The exact timing of these specific operations was not precisely detailed beyond the observation that they occurred "a ratico ago" on October 1st, 2025, which translates to "a little while ago." This activity occurs in a period of heightened regional geopolitical interest. Earlier on October 1st, 2025, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Truxtun docked in Ponce, Puerto Rico, at 12:11 PM UTC. Additionally, reports have surfaced regarding leaked emails allegedly detailing a drug trafficking air bridge between Venezuela and Belize, and a Russian Defense Ministry aircraft was tracked transiting near Venezuela on the same day. Patricia Tappatá also resigned from her position with the United Nations mission in Venezuela on October 1st, 2025, citing unspecified work difficulties. The U.S. Navy destroyer 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. Leaked emails, reported by OCCRP and circulating on social media as of October 1st, 2025, suggest an alleged "Air Bridge" operating between Venezuela and Belize for drug trafficking. The exact timing of these alleged operations was not specified. A Russian Defense Ministry IL-62m aircraft, call sign RFF7181 and registration RA-86495, was tracked east of Granada on October 1st, 2025, with its flight path suggesting a possible transit through Caracas, Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on October 1st, 2025, a potential shift in the country's defense strategy, signaling a move away from conflict.
