WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is ramping up troop presence near Venezuela in response to threats from Latin American drug cartels, notably after military strikes destroyed a vessel linked to the Tren Aragua gang, as stated by President Donald Trump.
The government hasn’t disclosed plans for ground invasions despite thousands of troops being deployed, and many analysts, alongside current and former officials, believe an invasion of Venezuela is highly unlikely.
However, Trump ordered military action in which 11 individuals were killed on a boat heading out of Venezuela, labeling the country as a “very bad actor.”
Conversations in Venezuela are tense, with invasion threats circulating on social media and state TV. The government is using this fear to encourage citizens to join its struggling militia, asserting that President Nicolas Maduro’s regime is under threat.
Additionally, the U.S. is sending 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, aimed at anti-cartel operations. Information about this move was kept under wraps, with discussions occurring only among anonymous sources.
A national defense official revealed that U.S. naval forces are already positioned in the Caribbean. They include the USS Gravity and two Aegis-guided missile destroyers, along with the USS Sampson and USS Erie Lake off Latin America’s coast.
Three amphibious assault ships, containing over 4,000 sailors and Marines, are also in the Caribbean, though details on their exact location were not provided.
Here’s a brief overview of the situation:
What is the purpose of the U.S. expansion?
Prime Minister Daryl Caudle explained that U.S. ships are moving to South American waters to support operations against drug cartels in Venezuela. On August 28, he expressed concerns over Venezuelan involvement in drug trafficking but withheld specifics due to classified information.
Caudle emphasized his role in deploying a naval force for military operations, providing options for the president and Secretary of Defense.
This military buildup is increasingly backed by Trump’s administration, aiming to combat drug cartels and address the flow of illegal substances into American communities, which has contributed to violence in various U.S. cities.
Trump has labeled several foreign groups, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, as terrorist organizations, pointing to their international operations in drug trafficking and immigration smuggling.
Christopher Sabatini from Chatham House remarked that the military deployments and designations against Tren de Aragua appear to be part of a strategy to create significant noise, appeasing Venezuelan opposition and Trump supporters, yet he stresses that any chance of a real invasion is unrealistic.
How did Maduro’s government react?
Responding to a recent inquiry about military threats, Maduro claimed that the vast majority of Venezuelans would dismiss U.S. threats. He underscored that the country operates within its laws and asserted that no one can invade.
Maduro also dismissed U.S. accusations of drug trafficking, stating Venezuela lacks coca production, unlike neighboring Colombia. He suggested that such claims are a tactic used by the U.S.
Samuel Moncada, Venezuela’s UN ambassador, called for an end to hostile actions and respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Why is Venezuela promoting volunteer militias?
In light of U.S. actions, Maduro is encouraging citizens to join volunteer militias in defense against potential attacks, hosting sign-up drives. However, the government has not revealed how many people have enlisted.
Historically, the regime boasted militia membership numbers exceeding 4.5 million, though support has waned as millions have fled the country in search of better lives.
This situation contrasts with last year’s elections, when government officials claimed Maduro won despite evidence suggesting he lost to opposition candidates.
What is the political opposition’s stance?
Opposition leader Maria Colina Machado, recognized by the U.S. and others as the legitimate winner of the 2024 election, expressed gratitude to Trump officials for addressing Venezuela’s criminal networks. She declared it time for change.
On social media, Machado indicated that Venezuelans are increasingly skeptical of government recruitment efforts for militias, positing that current challenges herald a significant shift.
However, some skepticism remains among the populace about these claims, with critics like Sabatini noting that opposition leaders may be manipulating public hopes while falling into a narrative of an impending invasion.
