A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft linked to Moscow’s armed forces and the former Wagner mercenary group landed in Caracas, Venezuela, after a multi-stop journey through Armenia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania — a route likely designed to bypass Western airspace and inspections, reports DefenseNews. Operated by Aviacon Zitotrans, a sanctioned company tied to the Russian military, the aircraft has a history of delivering weapons, equipment, and personnel for Russian operations abroad. The flight underscores Russia’s growing engagement in Latin America amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as Washington deploys naval forces to counter alleged drug trafficking, and Caracas accuses the U.S. of “fabricating war.” They write:
A Russian transport aircraft of a type linked to the country’s military and former Wagner mercenary group has landed in the Venezuelan capital over the weekend, signaling heightened Russian interest in the Latin American country.
The Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft with the registration RA-78765 arrived in Caracas on Sunday after a two-day journey that took it from Russia via Armenia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania to Latin America, flight records show. It appears the aircraft embarked on its trip from an airport in the greater Moscow area, with the transponder signal first being picked up shortly after takeoff.
The multi-stop journey is emblematic of the circuitous routes used to avoid Western airspace or possible cargo inspections in unfriendly countries. It is also possible that deliveries or pick-ups were made along the way. […]
An Il-76 can transport up to 50 tons of cargo or up to 200 people. Aircraft of this type are known to have delivered small arms, military supplies and even mercenaries on Russia’s behalf in the past. Larger deliveries, such as an S-400 air defense system, would likely require several trips. […]
Washington has recently moved an aircraft carrier strike group to the region in a significant escalation of its military posturing. Venezuela has accused the U.S. of “fabricating war.”
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