The United States has launched a significant military operation in waters near Venezuela, with the stated aim of combatting Latin American drug cartels. Three guided-missile destroyers, along with submarines, surveillance aircraft, and approximately 4,000 military personnel, are moving towards the edge of Venezuela's territorial waters. This marks one of the most assertive deployments in the southern Caribbean region in recent years, as reported by Reuters.
According to two sources with direct knowledge of the operation, the destroyers USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson, all equipped with the Aegis missile guidance system, are expected to arrive within the next 36 hours. These units are part of a broader strategy that also includes P-8 spy aircraft, additional warships, and at least one attack submarine.
A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, stated that the deployment is set to last several months, with operations taking place in international airspace and waters. The naval units will not only gather intelligence and conduct surveillance but may also be used as platforms for targeted strikes if deemed necessary by the administration.
"What will the tyrant Nicolás Maduro do when the three U.S. destroyers reach the Venezuelan coast? Nicolás, you clown, flee to Cuba before it's too late," wrote Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez on X.
Designation of Criminal Groups as Terrorist Organizations
The military deployment is directly linked to the Trump administration's decision to classify several criminal organizations as international terrorist groups. This includes the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua, and other gangs that, according to the U.S. government, operate with impunity in the region and are involved in transnational drug trafficking activities.
This designation, made in February, has provided the legal basis for ramping up military and intelligence actions. Concurrently, aerial surveillance over the cartels has increased to gather data for future operations. This offensive is part of a broader approach to curb the flow of drugs into the United States while also addressing the root causes of irregular migration.
Venezuelan Government's Reaction
Though Venezuela's Ministry of Communications has not issued an official statement, Nicolás Maduro referenced the operation in a recent speech. "Venezuela will defend our seas, skies, and lands" against "the unusual and strange threat of a declining empire," declared the leader. Maduro has received backing from the military high command and Venezuelan state structures.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López denied any government involvement in drug trafficking, labeling the accusations as "absurd" and "immoral." According to the minister, the criminal organizations mentioned by Washington have been "completely dismantled" within the country.
Meetings have been conducted with the Military High Command and the Strategic Operational Command to assess the situation, while pro-government events have been organized to support the president across various regions of the country.
Growing Threat and Regional Tensions
The U.S. military operation follows a series of decisions that increase pressure on the Venezuelan government. Washington has offered up to $50 million for information leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of leading the so-called "Cartel of the Suns," an alleged drug trafficking network involving state officials.
In response, senior Venezuelan government officials have declared a state of alert. Diosdado Cabello, vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, stated there is also Venezuelan military presence in the territorial waters to "defend our sovereignty." Like Maduro and Padrino, he rejected any links to drug trafficking and accused the DEA of being "the only drug cartel that operates in plain sight worldwide."
FAQs on U.S. Military Deployment Near Venezuela
Why is the U.S. deploying warships near Venezuela?
The deployment aims to combat Latin American drug cartels by gathering intelligence and possibly conducting targeted strikes if necessary.
What are the potential actions U.S. naval units might take?
U.S. naval units will conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and may serve as platforms for targeted attacks if required by the administration.
How has the Venezuelan government responded to the U.S. military operation?
Venezuelan officials have declared a state of alert, denied involvement in drug trafficking, and accused the U.S. of unwarranted aggression.