Reports Indicate U.S. Military Buildup in the Caribbean Amid Tensions with Venezuela
Reuters reported, citing U.S. officials, that the United States is preparing for a new phase of military movements in the Caribbean as part of increasing pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
According to the officials, the buildup includes the arrival of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying strike group on November 16, in addition to warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 fighter jets, as part of an ongoing military deployment in the region for weeks.
One official stated that the U.S. administration does not rule out any option in what Washington describes as efforts to curb drug trafficking through Venezuelan territory, while the Maduro government denies the U.S. accusations.
The report noted that Washington is considering a range of potential tracks, including increased political pressure as well as covert operations believed to be carried out by the CIA inside Venezuela, though the outcomes of these actions remain unclear.
In the same context, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned U.S. airlines of potential risks when flying over Venezuelan airspace and urged them to exercise caution.
No official statements have been issued by the Venezuelan government regarding the recent U.S. military movements.
