US Warship USS Gravely Docks Trinidad Amid Growing Military Pressure on Venezuela

The USS Gravely, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, has docked in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, as part of a military build-up by President Donald Trump's administration aimed at increasing pressure on Venezuela. Alongside the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, this escalation involves joint training exercises between U.S. Marines and Trinidad and Tobago defense forces to address transnational crime and drug trafficking threats in the Caribbean region. Venezuela's government condemned these moves as provocative, with President Nicolás Maduro decrying them as efforts to instigate perpetual conflict, while Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar supports the U.S. presence. The military activities have sparked regional concern, including from Caribbean leaders urging dialogue to prevent war and highlighting the vulnerability of the region. The U.S. has also authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and has conducted strikes on suspected drug vessels, resulting in casualties including Trinidad and Tobago nationals. Tensions remain high as the U.S. continues to intensify its military presence, prompting Venezuela to undertake its own defense exercises in response.