Fleet of Heavy Russian Cargo Planes Spotted Flying into Venezuela as Tensions Rise

In the predawn hours of October 26, 2025, a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo jet landed quietly in Caracas, Venezuela, after a circuitous journey from Moscow. Its arrival, shrouded in secrecy and timed amid escalating U.S.–Venezuela tensions, immediately drew global scrutiny. For nearly two days, the aircraft remained on the tarmac, fueling speculation about its cargo and purpose. The event marked a new chapter in the region’s geopolitical contest,...