Why it matters:
The deployment represents one of the largest recent concentrations of U.S. naval power in the Caribbean, raising concerns in Latin America over potential unilateral military action against Venezuela without Congressional or international authorization.
The big picture:
Washington claims the operation targets drug-trafficking networks, but regional observers believe the scale and nature of the military deployments signal preparations for potential offensive action or coercive pressure against the Venezuelan government.
State of play:
Satellite imagery identified the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship roughly 200 km off Venezuela's coast.
The vessel was accompanied by two U.S. destroyers, positioned within ~20 km of each other.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group is also moving toward the Caribbean, bringing total deployed U.S. naval assets in the region to roughly 14% of the U.S. Navy fleet.
U.S. Southern Command conducted live-fire drills from the USS Iwo Jima.
What they’re saying:
U.S. officials (via Wall Street Journal): Washington has “identified targets in Venezuela” allegedly linked to narcotics smuggling.
Donald Trump: Rejected reports of planning strikes on Venezuela.
Venezuela: Urged the UN Security Council to deem U.S. strikes on vessels near its territory illegal and defend Venezuelan sovereignty.
By the numbers:
14% — share of the U.S. Navy fleet now operating in the Caribbean
5 — reported U.S. strikes on vessels claimed to be tied to drug trafficking
200 km — distance of USS Iwo Jima from the Venezuelan coast
Zoom in: U.S. air activity
Flight-tracking data indicates heightened American air operations over the Caribbean:
B-1B bombers observed near Venezuelan airspace
B-52 bombers launched from Florida and Louisiana, observed circling for nearly two hours before returning to base
The B-1B is optimized for large-scale conventional strike missions, while the B-52 is capable of long-range cruise-missile operations.
Between the lines:
The U.S. has not provided evidence linking targeted vessels to narcotics trafficking. Analysts say the deployment echoes previous U.S. military pressure campaigns in Latin America.
Bottom line:
Despite Trump’s rejection of plans for military action, the scale and proximity of U.S. forces, combined with targeted strikes and aerial operations, have intensified fears of escalation and prompted Venezuela to appeal to the U.N. for intervention.
Go deeper:
U.S. Bomber Flights Near Venezuela Signal Escalating Pressure Amid Oil Interests
Hossein Vaez - seyed mohammad kazemi
