US Deploys Navy, Marines Near Venezuela with Trinidad Support

The United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the Caribbean by deploying an amphibious squadron alongside three guided-missile destroyers near Venezuela as part of a counter-narcotics mission under President Trump's administration. The deployment includes approximately 4,500 military personnel and a mix of advanced amphibious and destroyer ships, enhancing the U.S. capability to project force and combat drug cartels labeled as 'narcoterrorist organizations.' Trinidad and Tobago, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has expressed full support for the U.S. operation, emphasizing the severe impact of drug trafficking and violence in the region, and affirming willingness to provide access to U.S. forces if Venezuela attacks neighboring Guyana. Persad-Bissessar explicitly rejected engagement with CARICOM on this issue, asserting each member state can decide independently, and clarified no formal U.S. request has been made for military access against Venezuela. The deployment has provoked a strong reaction from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who announced mobilization of millions of militia members to defend national sovereignty. Guyana has also voiced concern over regional security threats posed by transnational organized crime and supports efforts to dismantle criminal networks.