For the past two months, the US military has significantly increased its naval and aerial presence in the Caribbean, marking the largest build-up in decades. This includes warships, fighter jets, bombers, and drones, with B-52 bombers recently conducting exercises off Venezuela’s coast. Additionally, plans have been authorized for CIA operations in Venezuela amid claims of ongoing drug trafficking by the US government. The US has asserted that attacks on Venezuelan vessels suspected of carrying narcotics have resulted in multiple casualties, though these statements lack detailed evidence.
Experts have raised questions regarding the legality of these military activities and their true intent. Some assert that the operations may signal a strategy aimed at undermining President Nicolás Maduro’s regime rather than solely combating drug trafficking. Dr. Christopher Sabatini from Chatham House describes the military increase as a means of intimidation to influence the Venezuelan military’s loyalty to Maduro.
As of October 23, reports indicated that 10 US military vessels were operating in the area, which included destroyers and amphibious assault ships. The ongoing use of military power has prompted responses from various regional actors, and the situation remains fluid.
In a related development, the US government has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, yet this incentive has not triggered notable defections from his inner circle. Analysts suggest that substantial wealth and corruption within Venezuela’s elite deter individuals from turning against Maduro, even at higher bounty amounts.
Despite the US administration framing its actions as a battle against narco-trafficking, analysts point out that the drug trade largely exists in other regions like Colombia. This raises further questions about the underlying motives for the military presence. The Pentagon’s deployment of air and naval forces seems to extend beyond mere drug interdiction, as intercepting drug shipments typically does not necessitate such a robust military response.
As President Trump has refrained from explicitly stating military objectives, the ramifications of this military escalation and its potential effectiveness in promoting regime change or deterring drug trafficking remain subjects of speculation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp2lxz75eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss