The United States has deployed an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean, nearing the coastal waters of Venezuela. This operation includes three amphibious ships: the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale, carrying around 4,500 personnel, including 2,200 Marines. This naval presence is part of a broader military strategy that also involves three guided-missile destroyers—USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson—alongside surveillance aircraft and at least one attack submarine. The deployment aims to counter threats from narco-terrorist organizations, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Tren de Aragua, as well as Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles. This marks a shift towards a more proactive military approach in counter-narcotics operations, incorporating Navy resources traditionally associated with Coast Guard duties. Although specific operational plans have not been disclosed, the deployment serves primarily as a deterrent and a show of force, while retaining the capability for direct action if necessary.
In reaction to this deployment, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has mobilized approximately 4.5 million militia members, presenting it as a defensive strategy to protect the nation’s sovereignty.
