US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate as US Warships Deploy in Southern Caribbean
A significant increase in US naval presence in the region aims to combat drug trafficking and security threats, according to officials.
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela are intensifying due to a substantial deployment of US warships in the Southern Caribbean and surrounding waters.
This deployment, described by US officials as unprecedented in recent times, is purportedly intended to address drug-related threats from Latin American cartels, aligning with President Donald Trump's administration's focus on combating drug trafficking as part of its broader strategy to secure the southern border.
The presence of seven US warships and a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in or en route to the region marks a departure from typical operations conducted by the US Coast Guard and Navy in this area.
These moves have not gone unnoticed, with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro vehemently criticizing them as violations of Venezuela's sovereignty.
The Pentagon has yet to publicly outline the exact mission of these forces, but it was announced that the military is now authorized to engage drug cartels and criminal organizations, prompting the US to prepare operational options.
Venezuela formally complained to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about this naval buildup, accusing the United States of violating the foundational UN Charter.
According to Venezuela's UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada, these actions are part of a 'massive propaganda operation' aimed at justifying potential military intervention in a country that poses no threat to anyone.
The White House has reaffirmed President Trump’s readiness to utilize all elements of American power to stem the flow of drugs into the US.
This stance is supported by several Caribbean nations and other regional governments, which have expressed appreciation for the administration's efforts against drug trafficking operations.
In February, the US designated Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel along with several other drug gangs and Venezuela's criminal group Tren de Aragua as global terrorist organizations.
Among the ships involved in this naval buildup is the USS San Antonio, accompanied by the USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale, carrying over 4,500 service members including 2,200 Marines, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Additionally, the US military has been conducting reconnaissance flights with P-8 spy planes in the region to gather intelligence.
Operations have reportedly remained within international waters.
Venezuelan President Maduro has responded to these developments by mobilizing troops along its western border with Colombia to combat drug trafficking groups and encouraging civil defense groups to hold training sessions every Friday and Saturday.
Maduro's government frequently accuses opposition figures and foreign entities of conspiring with the US, including allegations of CIA involvement, which are consistently denied by both the opposition and the US.
The Venezuelan administration views economic sanctions as an act of 'economic war'.
This deployment, described by US officials as unprecedented in recent times, is purportedly intended to address drug-related threats from Latin American cartels, aligning with President Donald Trump's administration's focus on combating drug trafficking as part of its broader strategy to secure the southern border.
The presence of seven US warships and a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in or en route to the region marks a departure from typical operations conducted by the US Coast Guard and Navy in this area.
These moves have not gone unnoticed, with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro vehemently criticizing them as violations of Venezuela's sovereignty.
The Pentagon has yet to publicly outline the exact mission of these forces, but it was announced that the military is now authorized to engage drug cartels and criminal organizations, prompting the US to prepare operational options.
Venezuela formally complained to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about this naval buildup, accusing the United States of violating the foundational UN Charter.
According to Venezuela's UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada, these actions are part of a 'massive propaganda operation' aimed at justifying potential military intervention in a country that poses no threat to anyone.
The White House has reaffirmed President Trump’s readiness to utilize all elements of American power to stem the flow of drugs into the US.
This stance is supported by several Caribbean nations and other regional governments, which have expressed appreciation for the administration's efforts against drug trafficking operations.
In February, the US designated Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel along with several other drug gangs and Venezuela's criminal group Tren de Aragua as global terrorist organizations.
Among the ships involved in this naval buildup is the USS San Antonio, accompanied by the USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale, carrying over 4,500 service members including 2,200 Marines, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Additionally, the US military has been conducting reconnaissance flights with P-8 spy planes in the region to gather intelligence.
Operations have reportedly remained within international waters.
Venezuelan President Maduro has responded to these developments by mobilizing troops along its western border with Colombia to combat drug trafficking groups and encouraging civil defense groups to hold training sessions every Friday and Saturday.
Maduro's government frequently accuses opposition figures and foreign entities of conspiring with the US, including allegations of CIA involvement, which are consistently denied by both the opposition and the US.
The Venezuelan administration views economic sanctions as an act of 'economic war'.
