US aircraft carrier deployment heightens tensions with Venezuela

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, entered the area under the US Naval Forces Southern Command, covering Latin America and the Caribbean. The Pentagon said the deployment aimed to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

The operation is part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration involving naval and air forces across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Venezuela fears the buildup, which includes F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico and six US Navy ships, is part of an effort to unseat President Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro accused Washington of preparing for war, while US President Donald Trump recently said Venezuela’s leadership was nearing its end but ruled out a direct military confrontation.

Regional and international reactions

Since early September, US forces have carried out strikes on about 20 vessels in international waters, leaving at least 76 people dead, according to US figures. Colombia suspended its intelligence-sharing with Washington in response to the attacks, citing concerns over missile strikes on boats.

Venezuela’s defence ministry announced a nationwide deployment of land, sea, air, and missile units alongside civilian militias to counter what it called “imperial threats.” Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said 200,000 troops took part in exercises, though no military activity was seen in Caracas.

Russia, a key Venezuelan ally, condemned the US strikes as “unacceptable” and accused Washington of acting above international law. Tensions between Washington and Moscow have increased as President Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine.

The United Kingdom declined to comment on reports it had halted intelligence sharing with the US over operations in the Caribbean but reaffirmed that the US remained its closest defence and security partner.