Guided-missile cruiser seen near Venezuela as pressure increases on Maduro

US Navy Ships Gather Near Venezuela

A US guided missile cruiser has been spotted crossing the Panama Canal, joining a growing fleet of naval vessels near Venezuela.

The USS spooky made its journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean late Friday, just a week after President Trump ordered the deployment of at least eight naval ships to combat drug trafficking in South America.

This move is also seen as a way to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro, whom the US regards as an illegitimate leader following two disputed elections.

A source close to the administration shared, “The clock is about to strike midnight for Maduro,” suggesting a sense of urgency around the situation.

Currently, as many as 4,500 service members are present or expected in the region soon, which includes three guided missile destroyers and nuclear-powered submarines, according to reports.

US officials indicated that ships like the USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson are part of this operation, along with at least one surveillance aircraft.

Earlier this month, Washington placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro, which was noted to be about twice what was placed on Osama bin Laden before his death.

While the naval buildup is stated to target South American drug traffickers, Trump administration officials mentioned that if Maduro were to be ousted, “no one would shed a tear.”

A ground invasion appears unlikely, especially since military readiness from a ship with around 2,200 Marines is still being evaluated.

When asked if an invasion was on the table, White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt didn’t dismiss the possibility, but she emphasized that she wanted to follow the president’s directives.

“Many Caribbean nations support our anti-drug efforts,” she noted. “The President is prepared to employ all available resources to stop drug trafficking and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Leavitt stated that Maduro’s government isn’t legitimate but rather a “cartel of drug terrorism,” characterizing him as a fugitive.

This all comes amid a nationwide blackout in Venezuela, though the cause remains unclear.

Trump recently expanded military capabilities to respond to drug cartels, marking a significant display of force in Latin America since this new strategy was implemented.

Maduro’s Cartel de los Sales has reportedly shipped hundreds of tons of cocaine and other illegal substances to the US since the early 2000s, earning substantial profits.