US Deploys 5 Warships, 4,000 Troops in Southern Caribbean Amid Venezuela Tensions

The Trump administration has significantly increased its naval presence in the Southern Caribbean near Venezuela, deploying over 4,500 military personnel, including seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, with the stated goal of combating drug cartels. This buildup includes the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, and intelligence aircraft conducting regional surveillance. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government have condemned the deployment as a threat to their sovereignty, accusing the U.S. of imperialist intentions and political pressure, especially after the U.S. increased the bounty on Maduro. In response, Venezuela has mobilized 15,000 troops along its border with Colombia, deployed warships and drones to patrol its coast, and recruited militia forces. While the U.S. emphasizes the anti-drug trafficking mission, experts note that much of the drug trade flows through the Pacific rather than the Caribbean, casting uncertainty on the operation's direct impact on drug routes. The regional response is mixed, with some countries supporting Washington's actions and others expressing concern over rising tensions.