Why it matters:
The flights are part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the region targeting Venezuela’s government and alleged drug cartels. However, critics argue that Washington’s narrative of combating narcotics is a pretext for aggressive interventionism and reflects longstanding U.S. ambitions to control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The big picture:
Trump administration has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as illegitimate and charged him with drug and arms trafficking.
The U.S. claims it is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, designating them as “unlawful combatants”, a legal gray area that has prompted concern over unauthorized lethal strikes.
At least 43 people have reportedly been killed in recent U.S. airstrikes, including boat attacks lacking congressional approval or clear evidence of drug smuggling.
Survivors of an October 16 strike were released without charges, raising questions about the legitimacy of U.S. targeting and detention practices.
Key points:
- The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was deployed to Latin America on October 24.
- The USS Gravely docked in Trinidad and Tobago on October 26.
- Armed AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 Reapers, and Marine Corps F-35Bs have been operating from Puerto Rico.
- The USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, is active in the region with AV-8 Harriers and AH-1 helicopters conducting live-fire drills.
- Surveillance aircraft like the Navy’s P-8 Poseidon have also been deployed.
What they’re saying:
U.S. officials have remained tight-lipped, with the Pentagon and Air Force Global Strike Command declining to comment.
Critics, including former defense officials and lawmakers, argue the strikes lack legal justification and transparency.
Analysts suggest the drug cartel narrative serves as a strategic cover for regime-change ambitions and access to Venezuela’s energy resources.
Between the lines:
The consistent pattern of bomber flights, coupled with a growing naval and aerial presence, points to a sustained pressure campaign. While framed as counter-narcotics operations, the lack of evidence and legal clarity suggests deeper geopolitical motives, namely, destabilizing Maduro’s government and securing influence over Venezuela’s oil-rich territory.
What’s next:
With no signs of de-escalation, the U.S. may continue ramping up military activity near Venezuela. International scrutiny over the legality and intent of these operations is likely to intensify, especially as regional tensions rise and humanitarian concerns grow.
Go deeper:
Venezuela Launches Defence Drills Amid U.S. Military Activity in The Caribbean
Hossein Amiri - Mahboubeh Habibi
