US Military Builds Forces in Caribbean Amid Venezuela Tensions, Considers Seizing Ports, Airfields

The U.S. military, under President Donald Trump's orders, is intensifying operations against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, particularly targeting Venezuela. Trump has declared a "non-international armed conflict" against drug cartels linked to Venezuela's regime led by Nicolás Maduro, with the military conducting multiple lethal strikes on suspected narcotics vessels transporting drugs like fentanyl to the U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed recent strikes on narco-trafficking boats, claiming successful elimination of cartel members with no U.S. casualties. Additionally, the Pentagon has positioned significant military assets, including Navy warships, F-35 jets, and Marine Expeditionary units, near Venezuelan waters, with preparations for potential seizure of key ports and airfields as part of a broader strategy to combat cartel influence and possibly challenge Maduro's government. Venezuelan authorities have responded with increased militarization and surveillance, while U.S. officials emphasize ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and maintain regional influence reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine. These developments underscore a heightened risk of conflict as the U.S. pursues aggressive measures to address narcotics smuggling and political instability in Venezuela.