 "Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has threatened the United States.")
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of “fabricating a new war” after Washington sent its largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Caribbean. The carrier, which can carry up to 90 aircraft, significantly boosts US firepower in the region.
The US says its actions, including 10 air strikes on vessels in the area, are part of a campaign against drug trafficking. President Donald Trump has called Maduro the head of a drug-trafficking organisation—a claim Maduro denies. Many in Venezuela fear the US build-up aims to remove Maduro, a long-time opponent of Trump, from power.
The US, along with other nations, does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. The 2024 election was widely dismissed as unfair, with opposition tallies showing a landslide victory for their candidate. Venezuela, however, plays only a minor role in the region’s drug trade.
The Pentagon said the USS Gerald R Ford would operate in the Southern Command area, covering Central and South America and the Caribbean. Spokesman Sean Parnell said the extra forces “will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organisations.”
In response, Maduro told state media, “They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war,” accusing the US of seeking “a new eternal war.”
The carrier could give the US the ability to strike targets on the ground. Trump has repeatedly hinted at “land action” in Venezuela, saying earlier this week: “We stopped all drugs from coming in by sea. I will stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly. You’ll see that starting.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe US has also increased its air presence, with military aircraft spotted across Puerto Rico. CNN reports that Trump is considering strikes on cocaine facilities and trafficking routes in Venezuela, though no final decision has been made. Analysts note that such drug interceptions at sea do not require such a large military presence.