A military expert suggests that the recent US military deployment to the Caribbean region is a strategic message aimed at both Russia and China, reflecting heightened geopolitical competition.
Colonel Hatem Karim al-Fallahi, a military and strategic analyst, argues that the scale of the American buildup far exceeds what would be necessary to combat drug trafficking. The US has deployed an aircraft carrier, warships, and a nuclear submarine to the area, indicating a broader strategic objective.
Al-Fallahi noted that the United States is also reportedly refurbishing military bases in the Caribbean that were previously used during World War II, further solidifying its presence in the region.
While a full-scale invasion of Venezuela is unlikely at this stage, al-Fallahi predicts that the US might conduct limited strikes within Venezuelan territory, potentially targeting oil fields and drug cartel leaders. The primary goal of the military movements is to exert pressure and send a clear message to both China and Russia.
The analyst doesn’t rule out the possibility of the US orchestrating regime change within Venezuela, either by forcing the current leadership to step down or by instigating a military rebellion.
Al-Fallahi emphasized the significant disparity between the military capabilities of Venezuela and the United States. Venezuela’s air force, equipped with aging F-16s and Russian-made Su-30 fighter jets, lacks the advanced capabilities to effectively counter American air power, especially if the US deploys F-35 aircraft.
He concluded that while Venezuela’s large landmass would make a ground invasion with a force of only 16,000 troops challenging, the overall military imbalance favors the United States.
This analysis comes amid heightened tensions following a decree issued by the US President in August, expanding the US military’s authority to combat drug cartels in Latin America, followed by increased US naval activity near the Venezuelan coast.
In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced the mobilization of 4.5 million armed personnel to counter any potential aggression, asserting the country’s readiness to defend itself.
