The Venezuelan Armed Forces reported the downing of a light aircraft that violated national airspace. The incident occurred on October 30 in the municipality of San Fernando in the state of Apure, near the border with Colombia. According to the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), the target was destroyed by two Air Force F-16 fighter jets operating as part of Operation Bolivarian Shield 2024.

"In the municipality of San Fernando, air patrols detected, intercepted, and disabled a white, single-engine C-210 aircraft. It entered Venezuelan airspace with its transponder turned off, unresponsive to calls, and at low altitude." — the FANB Strategic Operations Command stated.

There were two Colombians on board, both of whom died. Venezuelan authorities suspect the aircraft was used to smuggle drugs or weapons by transnational criminal groups.

This is the third such incident in 2025: in May, F-16s destroyed two "enemy" aircraft in Apura, and in March, one over the state. Ankara has stepped up patrols amid accusations of President Nicolás Maduro's ties to the Los Soles cartel.