The U.S. Navy's guided-missile cruiser, the USS Lake Erie (CG 70), made its way through the Panama Canal on Friday night, entering the Caribbean as part of the United States' military buildup in the area. This move comes amidst escalating tensions with Venezuela, under the guise of anti-drug operations. As reported by AFP, the vessel navigated through the canal's locks around 9:30 p.m. local time, after spending two days at the port of Rodman. Local residents observed as it set course for the Atlantic.
The arrival of the Lake Erie adds to an already significant U.S. military presence in the southern Caribbean, which currently includes three destroyers, two landing ships, an amphibious assault ship, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship, with more than 4,500 personnel deployed.
Recently, the Pentagon accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of running a drug cartel, doubling the bounty for his capture to $50 million. While the U.S. has not made any public threats of invading Venezuela, the situation remains tense.
The destroyers in the area are accompanied by Coast Guard detachments and law enforcement personnel, ready to make arrests during drug interdiction operations. In response, the Venezuelan government has condemned the U.S. maneuvers as a threat to its sovereignty.
Caracas has reacted by deploying 15,000 security personnel along the Colombian border, announcing maritime patrols with drones and warships, and enhancing civil defense training across the country. This military action highlights Washington's strategy of increasing its presence in international waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific, while maintaining its official goal of combating drug trafficking.
The Maduro regime commenced a nationwide recruitment drive for the Bolivarian Militia on Friday, following the deployment of eight U.S. warships in Caribbean and Pacific waters. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) will remain active throughout the country to "combat criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and terrorism," in response to U.S. naval vessels nearing Venezuelan shores.
Understanding the U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean
Why did the USS Lake Erie enter the Caribbean?
The USS Lake Erie entered the Caribbean as part of a U.S. military effort to reinforce its presence in the region, citing anti-drug operations as the primary reason.
How has Venezuela responded to the U.S. military buildup?
Venezuela has deployed 15,000 security forces along the Colombian border, commenced maritime patrols, and initiated nationwide defense training to counter what it perceives as a threat to its sovereignty.
What accusations has the U.S. made against Nicolás Maduro?
The U.S. has accused Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has increased the reward for his capture to $50 million.