US Deploys 8 Warships, F-35 Jets in Caribbean Amid Venezuela Tensions

The Trump administration has significantly increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, particularly near Venezuela, as part of its counter-narcotics and homeland security efforts. This buildup includes multiple Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers such as USS Stockdale, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Gravely, alongside amphibious assault ships, a guided-missile cruiser, Littoral Combat Ship, and a nuclear submarine, with additional deployment of ten F-35A stealth fighter jets based in Puerto Rico. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have intensified operations against narcotics trafficking linked to Venezuelan cartels, including lethal strikes on suspected vessels, signaling a readiness for potential escalated military action. In response, Venezuela has conducted military exercises featuring its Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets armed with anti-ship missiles and deployed over 2,500 troops to the Caribbean island of La Orchila, demonstrating a show of force to deter U.S. actions. Venezuelan officials have warned of a "devastating counterattack," and President Nicolás Maduro accuses the U.S. of aiming for regime change amid heightened regional tensions. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal has been underscored by the transit of the USS Stockdale, enabling rapid deployment between the Pacific and Atlantic theaters as the U.S. maintains pressure on Venezuela's state-linked drug trafficking operations.