A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane linked to Russia (& the former Wagner mercenary group) quietly landed in Caracas, Venezuela, last weekend — a little reported move highlighting Russia’s not-so-subtle support to the Maduro regime amid rising U.S.–Venezuela tensions. . Defense analyst/reporter Linus Höller brought the shadowy flight to light based on flight records (check out his great reporting—🔗in bio—). The Il-76, registered RA-78765, departed the Moscow area before taking a two-day, multi-stop journey through Armenia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania — a route seemingly designed to bypass Western airspace, inspections and public scrutiny. Each stop corresponded with Russian-friendly countries or areas of military influence, suggesting possible refueling, coordination, or covert transfers along the way. . The Il-76 is a common Russian cargo aircraft...regularly used by military and private firms for transporting weapons/munitions, gear and paramilitary forces. The opera...