Venezuela - Tensions are rising sharply in the Caribbean as Venezuela mobilizes military assets in response to the arrival of a U.S. naval squadron near its coastline. The development has triggered international concern over a possible confrontation between Washington and Caracas.
According to U.S. officials, the United States has deployed an amphibious ready group composed of three warships and about 4,500 personnel, including 2,200 Marines. The Pentagon describes the mission as a counternarcotic operation targeting regional drug trafficking networks, though reinforcements—including a guided missile cruiser and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine—are reportedly heading to the area.
In a swift countermeasure, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced the activation of warships and a “significant” fleet of surveillance and combat drones to patrol the country’s maritime borders. Caracas has also mobilized 15,000 troops along its frontier with Colombia and activated hundreds of thousands of militia members to bolster readiness.
The military buildup comes amid ongoing U.S. accusations that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and senior officials are involved in drug trafficking, charges Maduro has repeatedly denied. Washington recently increased its reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million, intensifying diplomatic friction.
Venezuela has appealed to the United Nations, warning that the presence of advanced U.S. naval assets—including a nuclear-powered submarine—represents “a serious threat to regional peace and security” and an “act of intimidation.” While most analysts believe a direct military clash is unlikely, many view the deployment as part of a broader strategy of maximum pressure designed to force the Maduro government to the negotiating table.
For now, global attention remains fixed on the Caribbean, where both nations continue to project power amid a climate of distrust and escalating rhetoric.
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