In a direct response to a growing U.S. naval presence, Venezuela has announced it is deploying warships and drones to patrol its Caribbean coastline. The move comes as U.S. destroyers, along with other naval assets, are reportedly nearing the Venezuelan coast as part of an anti-drug cartel operation.
In a video statement, Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino announced a “significant” drone deployment and naval patrols, including “larger vessels further north in our territorial waters.” He stated the action is to combat drug trafficking, but it is widely seen as a response to the intensifying pressure from the United States.
The U.S. has sent three Aegis guided-missile destroyers, an amphibious squadron with approximately 4,500 troops, a missile cruiser, and a submarine to the region. The U.S. government has framed the deployment as a counter-narcotics mission, accusing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of heading a major drug trafficking network.
Tensions have been escalating between the two countries, with Maduro condemning the U.S. military buildup as an “extravagant, bizarre and outlandish threat” and a pretext for regime change. The deployment of Venezuelan military assets at sea follows a previous announcement that the country was mobilizing 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia, citing similar anti-drug operations. The situation has raised international concern about the potential for conflict in the region.
Footage Charlie Kirk has been shot
Charlie Kirk has been shot
