What is the U.S. doing in the Caribbean?
Asked 4 hours ago
Answer
The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying troops, warships, and advanced aircraft, officially citing anti-drug operations. However, there are widespread concerns about covert operations, regime change objectives targeting Venezuela, and the legality of attacks on suspected drug-smuggling boats. The buildup has revived memories of past interventions and sparked fears of escalation or conflict in the region.
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U.S. war on drugs: Senate republicans block move to stop boat attacks
- US military has increased attacks on boats off the Venezuelan coast, claiming victories against drug smugglers. 2s
- Senators from both parties question the legality of the attacks and urge the president to seek congressional approval. 12s
- President Trump has ordered a significant increase in US military presence in the Caribbean, moving assets from the Middle East. 1m 6s
- Critics challenge the administration's justification for labeling drug traffickers as enemy combatants, citing weak legal grounds. 1m 39s
- A Senate vote allows the Trump administration to continue attacks and military buildup without needing congressional approval. 2m 8s
References
President Trump increases U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, moving a carrier group and significant aircraft, raising concerns of a possible ground assault on Venezuela, while attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats continue without congressional oversight.
Since early September, the U.S. has carried out over a dozen strikes on boats in the Caribbean and sent warships to the area, officially as counter-drug and counter-terrorism missions, but with regime change in Venezuela also cited as a motive.
Thousands of U.S. troops and the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford are deployed in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, with reactivated bases and increased military flights, officially framed as anti-drug operations but raising concerns about escalation and covert actions targeting Venezuela.