Russian Il-76 Formerly Used by Wagner PMC Lands in Venezuela

A sanctioned Russian military transport aircraft, the Il-76, has arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The flight is seen as an attempt by Moscow to expand its military presence in Latin America, Defense News reports.

The landing of the Il-76 with the number RA-78765 took place after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appealed to Russia, China and Iran for military assistance. This step was a response to the increased US military activity in the Caribbean region.

Aircraft of this type were previously used to transport weapons, military materials, and even mercenaries acting in the interests of Russia.

The aircraft is operated by Aviacon Zitotrans, a company with six transport aircraft. The company is under sanctions from the United States, Canada, and Ukraine because of its ties to Russian military structures.

The company has repeatedly supplied military equipment to regions where Russian mercenaries, including the Wagner group, were operating.

Amid rising tensions in the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela asked Moscow for missile and radar support.

According to US documents, Maduro’s letter to Vladimir Putin asked for defense radars, modernized aircraft, and missile systems.

The Venezuelan president also proposed to modernize Su-30MK2 fighters and create a three-year financing plan through the Rostec Corporation.

In addition, Caracas is seeking to purchase modern radar systems from China, and strike drones with a range of up to 1,000 km and GPS jamming systems from Iran.

These events are unfolding against the backdrop of the conflict between the United States and Venezuela caused by the policy of the regime of Nicolás Maduro, which, according to Washington, facilitates the activities of drug cartels supplying drugs to the United States.