From Warships to Airstrikes: How the US Moved on Venezuela | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

Today's events in Venezuela, including the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro, were the result of extensive preparation by the United States. Over several months, the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, reactivating old military bases, and conducting surveillance and strikes on what were termed "drug boats." The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest warship in the world, was also positioned in the region. On land, bases like the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico were reactivated, and the skies saw increased activity from cargo planes, drones, and surveillance aircraft. From September onwards, the US began targeting boats accused of drug trafficking, resulting in numerous strikes and the seizure of oil tankers linked to Venezuela. This military buildup was part of a broader shift in American strategy, emphasizing the Western Hemisphere as a priority and addressing migration, drugs, and transnational crime as national security threats. The extensive preparations ensured that all necessary elements were in place for today's operation, making the capture of Maduro the final act in a well-orchestrated campaign.