Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently accused the United States of “fabricating a new war” following the deployment of the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Caribbean. This powerful vessel, capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, significantly increases the US military presence and firepower in the region.
The US states that this deployment is part of an ongoing campaign against drug traffickers, during which it has conducted approximately 10 air strikes on vessels. US President Donald Trump has previously identified Maduro as a leader of a drug-trafficking organization, an accusation Maduro denies. This military buildup has fueled concerns in Venezuela that the US objective is to oust Maduro from power, especially as the US, along with many other nations, does not recognize his leadership following the disputed 2024 election.
Venezuela is acknowledged as playing a minor role in the region’s drug trade. The Pentagon announced that the USS Gerald R Ford would operate within the US Southern Command’s area of responsibility, encompassing Central and South America and the Caribbean. A spokesperson indicated that the additional forces aim to bolster capabilities for disrupting narcotics trafficking and dismantling criminal organizations.
Maduro declared that the US is seeking “a new eternal war” and accused them of fabricating a conflict. He suggested the carrier’s presence would enable strikes against targets on the ground. Trump, who has previously hinted at “land action” in Venezuela, stated, “We stopped all drugs from coming in by sea. I will stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly.” He also noted that while they might seek Congressional approval for land operations, sea control has been established.
The US has also increased its air presence in the region, with reports of numerous US military aircraft identified in Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, CNN reports that Trump is contemplating action against cocaine facilities and trafficking routes in Venezuela, though no final decision has been made. Analysts suggest that the current naval presence is disproportionately large for simply intercepting drugs at sea.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently announced that “six male narco-terrorists” were killed in a Caribbean operation, identifying the boat as belonging to the Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization based in Venezuela and designated a terrorist group by the US State Department. These US air strikes have drawn regional criticism and legal scrutiny. Experts, like Dr Christopher Sabatini of Chatham House, suggest the military buildup might be a tactic to instill fear and encourage internal action against Maduro’s regime, rather than an invasion.
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