In one of the largest naval operations in the region in recent years, the United States deployed a formidable military force off the coast of Venezuela, with the stated objective of intensifying the fight against narcoterrorism in Latin America.
The operation, directly driven by the White House under President Donald Trump's administration, represents unprecedented pressure on the communist regime of Nicolás Maduro.
According to sources confirmed to Reuters, in the next 36 hours, three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers will arrive in the Caribbean, all equipped with the advanced Aegis defense system, capable of tracking and eliminating multiple air and maritime threats simultaneously. These are the USS Sampson (DDG-102), USS Gravely (DDG-107), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109).
The deployment is complemented by the presence of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which includes the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and at least two additional ships. This group is joined by P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a nuclear attack submarine, and other intelligence and surveillance assets. In total, more than 4,000 Marines and sailors will be mobilized in the strategic area.
