Cargo Plane Tied to Russian Military Arrives in Venezuela As U.S. Further Expands Its Presence in The Region

A Russian cargo aircraft linked to Moscow's armed forces and the former Wagner mercenary group arrived in Caracas over the weekend as Venezuela faces escalating tensions with the United States, according to a new report.

Flight-tracking data cited by United24 Media shows that the Il-76 transport plane, registered as RA-78765, departed the Moscow area on 24 October and landed in Venezuela on 26 October after stops in Armenia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania.

The route, which avoided Western airspace, resembled pathways used to limit exposure to cargo inspections. The aircraft reportedly remained in Caracas for about 45 hours before departing for Cuba; its onward destination was not confirmed.

Analysts told United24 Media that the aircraft may have delivered as much as 34 tons of material, potentially including portable air-defense systems, air-to-air missiles, or spare parts for Venezuela's Russian-made fighter jets and ground-based air defenses. The outlet noted that heavy missile systems would require additional flights.

The aircraft's operator, Aviacon Zitotrans, is under U.S., Canadian, and Ukrainian sanctions for providing military cargo to global conflict zones.

The arrival comes as Venezuela has publicly underscored its existing Russian arsenal. In comments made last week, President Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela has "more than 5,000" Russian-made Igla-S surface-to-air missiles deployed nationwide. He described the weapons as "one of the most powerful" and claimed they are positioned "to guarantee the peace, stability and tranquility of our people."

Maduro also highlighted ongoing use of Russian-made Kh-31A anti-ship missiles, which defense analysts say could threaten U.S. naval vessels.

These developments overlap with a growing U.S. military presence around South America. U.S. officials say the deployments — including warships, drones, and strike aircraft — are part of an anti-drug trafficking effort. The Pentagon confirmed its 14th strike since early September on Thursday, this time an alleged drug boat in the Pacific Ocean. The impact killed 4 people.

Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Venezuela covering defense, political and economic sectors. The arrival of the Il-76 and Maduro's missile messaging appear intended to emphasize the strength of that relationship as U.S. pressure increases.