Photo: JONATHAN KLEIN / AFP / Getty Images
The USS Gerald Ford, the United States' largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, has arrived in the Caribbean Sea, marking a significant military buildup in the region. This move comes as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on Venezuela, following recent military actions against alleged drug trafficking vessels in Latin America.
The arrival of the carrier, part of what has been dubbed "Operation Southern Spear," has raised concerns about potential military action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. military recently struck a vessel suspected of drug smuggling, killing three people, which the Pentagon confirmed was involved in narcotics trafficking. Since September, the U.S. has conducted at least 21 strikes on similar targets, killing around 80 people. However, the Trump administration has not provided evidence to substantiate claims that those targeted were "narcoterrorists."
The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford has fueled speculation about a possible military intervention in Venezuela. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of talks with Maduro but also indicated that military action could be on the table. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro, as a "foreign terrorist organization."
The USS Gerald Ford's deployment is part of a broader strategy to gain leverage over Maduro, with discussions of Venezuela's vast oil reserves reportedly influencing U.S. actions. The carrier's presence is intended to counter drug trafficking in the region, but experts suggest it could serve as a pressure tactic against Maduro. The U.S. military buildup includes nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 troops, with the carrier strike group bolstering American forces in the region.
The situation has drawn criticism from international law and human rights experts, who argue that the strikes on drug boats amount to extrajudicial executions. Despite this, Senate Republicans recently voted against legislation that would limit Trump's ability to launch an attack on Venezuela without congressional approval.
. As tensions rise, the world watches to see how the situation will unfold, with potential military actions looming on the horizon.