The United States Navy announced the successful launch of four Trident II D5 intercontinental ballistic missiles from an Ohio-class submarine situated off Florida's eastern coast. According to the official statement, this operation was part of pre-scheduled tests conducted from September 17 to 21. The Navy emphasized that these trials were "not executed in response to any international event," although the timing coincides with Washington's increased military presence in the Caribbean, an area of escalating tensions with Venezuela.
One of the missile launches, which took place Sunday night, was so bright it "lit up the sky" and was visible as far away as Puerto Rico, as per the naval communication. The Trident II D5 missiles are submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with an estimated range of 12,000 km, capable of carrying nuclear warheads. These tests are periodically conducted to ensure their reliability and accuracy.
Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe, director of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, stated, "For the dedicated team at SSP, maintaining our current capability and actively demonstrating through flight tests that the system is ready to respond if necessary is crucial for ensuring Peace through the Strength of our nation. The team also drives the development of next-generation strategic weapon systems to secure future maritime deterrence capability."
This series of tests brings the system's total to 197 successful launches. Meanwhile, since August, the U.S. has reinforced its presence in the Caribbean "to combat drug trafficking originating from Venezuelan shores." At least eight ships, including destroyers and amphibious assault/transport vessels, along with a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine (without the capacity to launch nuclear weapons), and F-35B fighter jets deployed to Puerto Rico, have entered the Caribbean waters.
Recently, Washington reported the destruction of four drug smuggling boats from Venezuela. Analysts have suggested that the scale of the U.S. deployment is disproportionate for handling such vessels. The Venezuelan government has condemned the operation, accusing the White House of attempting to topple Nicolás Maduro, thereby heightening diplomatic tensions in the region.
In response, Nicolás Maduro moved troops to the Colombian border weeks ago, while Venezuelan officials claimed the footage of attacks on boats was fabricated using artificial intelligence.
Key Questions about U.S. Military Actions and Tensions with Venezuela
Why did the U.S. launch the Trident II D5 missiles?
The U.S. Navy launched the Trident II D5 missiles as part of scheduled tests to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the system, not in response to any specific international event.
What has been the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean?
The U.S. has bolstered its Caribbean presence with at least eight ships, including destroyers and amphibious vessels, a Los Angeles-class submarine, and F-35B fighter jets in Puerto Rico.
How has Venezuela reacted to the U.S. deployments?
Venezuela has condemned the U.S. military operations, accusing the U.S. of attempting to overthrow Nicolás Maduro and escalating diplomatic tensions.