The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced Sunday the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean Sea. The deployment is reportedly part of ongoing operations aimed at countering drug trafficking in the region, but it comes amidst heightened tensions and reports of a potential military operation against Venezuela.
SOUTHCOM, which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, stated that the carrier strike group will join existing forces already present in the Caribbean. These forces include an amphibious ready group and a Marine expeditionary unit, signaling a significant increase in US military presence.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier and the largest in the world. It carries four squadrons of fighter jets and is accompanied by three guided-missile destroyers, enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities.
The announcement of the carrier’s arrival follows closely on the heels of joint naval exercises between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, marking the second such exercise in less than a month. These exercises have drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
President Maduro condemned the joint exercises as irresponsible during a rally in Caracas on Saturday. He has consistently accused the US of meddling in Venezuela’s internal affairs.
Since August, Washington has deployed significant military assets to the Caribbean Sea, including at least six warships, with the stated objective of combating drug smuggling into the United States. However, US media reports have suggested that the Trump administration considered plans for military operations against Venezuela, alleging Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking targeting the US.
The scope of any potential US military action remains unclear. Some reports indicate that the goal could be to remove President Maduro from power. The Venezuelan government has responded by mobilizing its forces nationwide in anticipation of potential attacks. In recent weeks, US forces have reportedly targeted numerous vessels in international waters, claiming they were being used for drug smuggling, resulting in casualties.
