The U.S. military flew three B-52 bombers on missions near the coast of Venezuela, according to a Global Strike Command spokesperson and a U.S. official, as the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Caracas

The United States has flown three B-52 long-range bombers off the coast of Venezuela, in a demonstration of military strength as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. The mission was followed by the abrupt resignation of Admiral Alvin Hoseley, the commander overseeing the operation, less than a year into his role. 

The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying 10,000 troops, eight warships, and a submarine, as well as helicopters positioned close to Venezuela. President Trump confirmed authorization of CIA operations in the country, raising concerns among some U.S. lawmakers. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has rejected the possibility of regime change or a coup, while the U.S. maintains a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest on drug trafficking charges.

U.S. flies B-52 bombers off the coast of Venezuela

Now to the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, whose dictator is under U.S. indictment. We learned today that the U.S. has put on a display of military muscle at Nicolas Maduro's doorstep. Here's Charlie D'Agostino. In a dramatic new show of force, three B-52 long-range bombers flew for hours yesterday off the coast of Venezuela. Late today, the commander in charge of the mission, Admiral Alvin Hoseley, abruptly stepped down, a surprise move less than a year into the job. That's after President Trump told reporters he authorized CIA operations in the country, prompting concern from Democrats on Capitol Hill. Starting wars that may spiral out of control ought to be deeply alarming to the American public. There are now 10,000 troops in the Caribbean, including eight warships and a submarine. And new images show military helicopters, which could carry special operations soldiers, 90 miles off Venezuela's coast. We are certainly looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control. The U.S. military took out another alleged drug-carrying boat this week, the fifth strike in six weeks. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has fired back against the escalation, saying there will be no regime change or CIA-orchestrated coup. President Trump has not explicitly called for regime change, but the administration has made clear it does not want Maduro to remain in power. There's a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest for alleged drug trafficking. Former U.S. Ambassador to Panama John Feely said Maduro has long been a problem for the U.S. He is the nominal head of a government that has been wholly captured by organized crime in Venezuela. On the mission commander's sudden resignation, Defense Secretary Hegseth released a statement thanking Admiral Halsey for his 37 years of service, but provided no reason for his departure. Sources tell CBS News there was tension between the two men.

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