The United States is increasing its military presence in the Caribbean to confront drug trafficking; meanwhile, speculation about a possible invasion is growing in Venezuela
The United States has reinforced its naval presence off the coast of Venezuela by deploying destroyers and amphibious assault ships. According to defense sources cited by international media, more than 4,000 sailors and Marines will join operations against drug trafficking in the region.
Although the White House rules out any ground incursion, the military presence has become the central issue in Venezuela. State media speak of an alleged "invasion threat," while opposition sectors see this move as a sign of weakness in Nicolás Maduro's government.
Operation against Latin American cartels
Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations for the U.S. Navy, confirmed that the mission aims to confront narcoterrorism. Washington keeps that Venezuelan citizens participate in international drug trafficking networks.
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President Donald Trump, who in February designated Tren de Aragua and other groups as terrorist organizations, is promoting the use of the armed forces against the cartels responsible for fentanyl and violence in the U.S.
Maduro's response and the call to the militia
In his weekly program, dictator Nicolás Maduro rejected the drug trafficking accusations and asserted that Venezuela "is free of coca crops". He also called on the population to join the militia to support the Armed Forces in case of an attack. The government claims to have 4.5 million militiamen, although the figure is questioned in light of the loss of popular support and mass migration.
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Venezuelan ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, asked Secretary-General António Guterres to urge the United States to stop "hostile actions" and respect the country's sovereignty.
The opposition's perspective
María Corina Machado, recognized by Washington as the legitimate opposition leader, welcomed the naval deployment and thanked the Trump administration for "acting with courage" against the regime.
The opposition asserts that the call to the militia was a failure, while accusing Chavismo of manipulating the external threat narrative to unite its base.
