The United States has carried out yet another strike against suspected narco-terrorists in the Caribbean, marking a growing show of military force in the region.
Officials reported that three individuals were killed in Saturday’s operation, continuing a series of actions under the Pentagon’s Operation Southern Spear.
USS Gerald R Ford Makes a Grand Entrance
Adding to the display of power, the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford, arrived in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday.
Its presence, alongside a squadron of supporting warships, signals a significant expansion of American forces in the area.
Analysts suggest the move could be both a counterdrug measure and a strategic signal toward Venezuela.
Ongoing Efforts Against Venezuelan Drug Networks
Saturday’s strike was the 21st in the region under the Trump administration’s plan to combat drug trafficking.
To date, operations have resulted in the deaths of 83 individuals labeled as narco-terrorists. U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the targeted vessel was transporting narcotics along a known smuggling route and was operating in international waters.
Largest Build-Up in Decades
The arrival of the Ford rounds out what officials describe as the most substantial U.S. military presence in the Caribbean in generations.
Nearly a dozen Navy ships and 12,000 sailors and Marines are now part of Operation Southern Spear, with fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers ready for rapid deployment.
The strike group transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands on Sunday morning.
Leaders Emphasize Regional Security
Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, commanding the strike group, said the deployment strengthens U.S. capabilities to counter narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.
Admiral Alvin Holsey, responsible for operations in the Caribbean and Latin America, called the mission a critical step to protect both regional stability and U.S. homeland security.
Joint Training in Trinidad and Tobago
The U.S. military is also conducting joint exercises with local forces in Trinidad and Tobago, less than seven miles from Venezuela.
Officials describe the drills as the second of the month, focused on combating violent crime and stopping drug shipments bound for North America and Europe.
Marines from the 22nd Expeditionary Unit, stationed aboard Navy ships near Venezuela, are participating in the exercises.
Venezuela Pushes Back
The Venezuelan government has denounced the military presence and training as aggressive.
President Nicolás Maduro, who faces U.S. narcoterrorism charges, called the actions “fabricated” and vowed to defend Venezuelan sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles, reportedly led by Maduro and other officials, as a foreign terrorist organization effective November 24.
Legal and Political Questions Arise
While the administration maintains that these measures are aimed at reducing the flow of narcotics into the United States, critics question the legal basis for targeting vessels and individuals in international waters. U.N. human rights officials, U.S. lawmakers, and regional leaders have all called for greater transparency.
Senate Republicans recently rejected a bill that would have limited Trump’s authority to launch military actions against Venezuela without congressional approval.
The Bigger Picture
Experts note that while aircraft carriers are not typical tools for fighting cartels, their presence can exert political pressure.
The Ford’s deployment underscores a dual strategy: counterdrug operations and a show of force designed to influence Maduro’s government.
The administration insists the ultimate goal is halting the flow of narcotics and stabilizing the region, even as questions remain about the full scope of these operations.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn