US Deploys Warships, Marines Near Venezuela as Maduro Mobilizes Militias

The United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, has escalated its efforts to combat drug trafficking by deploying three Aegis-class guided missile destroyers and planning to send 4,000 Marines to waters near Venezuela. This move targets Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a major cocaine trafficking organization, with Trump doubling the bounty on Maduro to $50 million. The U.S. has designated several Latin American drug cartels, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations, signaling a heightened military and diplomatic pressure campaign. In response, Maduro announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia members nationwide, framing it as a defense against U.S. threats and asserting Venezuela's sovereignty. The deployment and countermeasures have significantly intensified tensions between the two countries, with Maduro rejecting U.S. accusations and emphasizing Venezuela's stance on peace and sovereignty. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration's commitment to using all available power to stop drug trafficking into the United States.