Why US is sending warships to South America?

The United States is sending warships to South America. And Nicolás Maduro is not happy.

The US military is stepping up its presence in the waters near Venezuela as part of a major crackdown on Latin American drug cartels. Several warships are already in place, and more are expected to arrive in the coming days. While American officials insist this isn’t about launching an invasion, the move has triggered a wave of speculation inside Venezuela and stirred up tensions with Maduro’s government.

At the heart of the mission, according to US Navy officials, is an effort to disrupt drug trafficking operations in the region, some of which are believed to involve Venezuelans. But so far, few details have been made public. The exact goals remain classified, and that’s only adding fuel to the rumour mill in Venezuela.

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What’s happening?

The US Navy has two Aegis missile destroyers — the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham — stationed in the Caribbean. Two more vessels — the USS Sampson and USS Lake Erie — are operating in the Pacific, off Latin America’s coast.

More firepower is on the way. Three large amphibious assault ships — the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale — carrying over 4,000 Marines and sailors, are expected to arrive soon. The Pentagon hasn’t said exactly where they’re going, but their presence is already making waves.

Why now?

According to Admiral Daryl Caudle, the Navy’s top officer, the US is deploying naval assets to support operations targeting criminal organisations, especially drug cartels with alleged ties to Venezuela. Speaking from a Navy base in Virginia, Caudle kept most details under wraps but said his role is to provide the President with military options.

President Trump has made no secret of his tough stance on drug trafficking, blaming cartels for the fentanyl crisis and violence in American cities. His administration recently labelled several major gangs — including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and multiple Mexican groups — as foreign terrorist organisations. Trump’s team says it’s all part of a strategy to stop the flow of drugs and hold those responsible accountable.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t confirm whether airstrikes or more aggressive action might follow but made it clear Trump is “prepared to use every element of American power” to fight the drug trade.

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How is Maduro reacting?

Maduro is not impressed. When asked during a state TV appearance about rumours of an invasion, he dismissed the idea, saying over 90 per cent of Venezuelans reject the US threats.

“We’re within our own laws, and no one touches this land,” he said.

He also denied Venezuela has any role in the drug trade, claiming the country is “free of coca crops” and “free of cocaine production” — unlike neighbouring Colombia. Maduro accused the US of using drug trafficking as the latest excuse to justify aggression.

“In the past, they called their enemies communists. Then terrorists. Now the trend is to accuse people of drug trafficking,” he said.

Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and called for the US to stop its “hostile actions” and respect Venezuela’s sovereignty.

What’s happening inside Venezuela?

The buzz around US ships has taken over the conversation on Venezuelan streets, news outlets, and social media. And Maduro’s government is using the moment to rally support, urging people to sign up for its volunteer militia — a group meant to back up the military in case of an attack.

Recruitment events were held last weekend, and more are scheduled. But turnout appears to have been low.

While the government claims the militia has over 4.5 million members, that figure is widely doubted. Millions have fled the country, and support for Maduro has dropped sharply in recent years.

Last year’s disputed election didn’t help. The government said Maduro won with over 6 million votes — but opposition-led counts showed he actually lost, with just 3.4 million.

What about the opposition?

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, whose ally Edmundo González is recognised by the US as the rightful winner of the 2024 presidential election, is welcoming the US naval move. Appearing on Fox News, she praised Trump’s team for taking “the right approach, with courage and clarity” against Maduro’s regime.

She also took a jab at the government’s recruitment efforts, posting on X that Venezuelans had “disobeyed” by staying home and ignoring the call to enlist.

But many in Venezuela remain sceptical. Political analyst Christopher Sabatini of Chatham House warns that opposition leaders are once again raising hopes they might not be able to deliver on.

“They’re falling into the trap of suggesting an invasion is around the corner,” he said. “They’ve been stuck in neutral since the election, and now they’re trying to capitalise on this moment.”