A large buildup of U.S. naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States asking: is the move aimed at combating drug cartels, as the Trump administration has suggested, or is it for something else entirely?

Caracas

The United States has deployed a substantial naval force, including seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, to the southern Caribbean region. This build-up, which includes over 4,500 sailors and Marines, exceeds typical U.S. military activity in the area. U.S. officials state the operation is aimed at combating drug cartels, though most drug trafficking to the U.S. occurs via the Pacific, not the Atlantic where these forces are stationed.

Venezuelan officials have expressed concern that their government may be the true focus of the military presence. Venezuela's defense minister issued a warning to the U.S., and officials have accused the U.S. of threatening their country and violating international treaties. The U.S. recently doubled its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing allegations of drug trafficking.

U.S. builds up forces in Caribbean as officials, experts concerned

A large build-up of U.S. naval forces in and around the southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the U.S. questioning why they've been mobilized. Drone footage on Sunday captured a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer docked near the entrance to the Panama Canal. Last week, a U.S. official told Reuters that seven U.S. warships, as well as a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, are in or en route to the region, with over 4,500 sailors and Marines. While U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ships often operate in the southern Caribbean, this military build-up surpasses normal levels. U.S. President Donald Trump has said combating drug cartels is a central goal for his administration, and U.S. officials have told Reuters that the military efforts aim to address threats from those cartels. But it is unclear how the U.S. military presence would disrupt the drug trade. Most seaborne drug traffic to the U.S. moves via the Pacific, not the Atlantic, where the U.S. forces are. Caribbean shipments largely arrive by clandestine flights. Venezuelan officials believe their government might be the real target. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a warning to the U.S. on Sunday. I'm speaking to the imperialists of the North. We're getting ready and we will fight if you dare set foot in Venezuela. We're watching events around the world. In early August, the United States doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to the arrests of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over allegations of drug trafficking and links to criminal groups. Venezuelan officials have said the U.S. is threatening the country with naval deployments in violation of international treaties, and dismissed U.S. claims that the country and its leadership are key to major international drug trafficking.

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