Venezuela Deploys Warships and Drones as U.S. Expands Military Presence in Caribbean

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Venezuela deployed warships and drones on Tuesday in response to increased U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean. The development marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced on social media that the Venezuelan military had launched a “significant” drone operation along the country’s Caribbean coastline. He confirmed the presence of larger naval vessels patrolling the northern territorial waters.

The move follows the United States’ deployment of three guided-missile destroyers and 4,000 Marines to the region last week. According to U.S. officials, the mission is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.

On Tuesday, a U.S. source told AFP that President Donald Trump ordered two additional warships to the area. The USS Erie, a guided-missile cruiser, and the USS Newport News, a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, are expected to arrive next week.

Despite the military build-up, analysts have downplayed the likelihood of a U.S. invasion. Phil Gunson of the International Crisis Group noted that the maneuvers appear designed to pressure President Nicolas Maduro into negotiations.

Public sentiment inside Venezuela remains largely dismissive. Many citizens view the developments as political posturing rather than an imminent military threat.

Maduro secured a controversial third term in July 2024 in elections widely criticized for fraud and suppression of opposition figures. Washington has accused him of overseeing Cartel de los Soles, a cocaine trafficking organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government. The Trump administration has doubled its bounty on Maduro to $50 million in exchange for his capture.

In response to U.S. pressure, Maduro launched a mass militia recruitment drive. Thousands of Venezuelans, including civil servants and retirees, enlisted over the weekend. He described U.S. actions as “outlandish threats” aimed at regime change.

The Venezuelan government has also turned to international bodies for support. On Tuesday, Caracas formally petitioned the United Nations to demand the immediate cessation of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean.

In parallel, Venezuela announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia to combat drug trafficking. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported the seizure of 53 tons of narcotics so far this year. He emphasized that Venezuelan forces continue to dismantle trafficking networks in Zulia and Tachira states.

Defense Minister Padrino added that authorities recently destroyed shipyards in the northeast used to build semisubmersibles, known as “narco subs.” These vessels, commonly used by international drug cartels, can evade detection while transporting drugs to Europe, Central America, and the United States.

The growing confrontation underscores the strained relations between Washington and Caracas. While the U.S. cites drug enforcement as the basis for its deployment, Venezuela frames the actions as an assault on its sovereignty. The situation continues to draw international attention as both governments escalate their rhetoric and military measures.