Venezuela has reinforced its border with Colombia by deploying thousands of troops, a move announced amid escalating regional tensions following the arrival of a U.S. naval and marine contingent off the Venezuelan coast.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed on Monday that 15,000 soldiers would be stationed along the Colombian border, officially framed as an operation to combat drug trafficking. However, the timing has raised speculation among observers. Some view the deployment as a symbolic gesture aimed at appeasing Washington, which has accused President Nicolás Maduro of leading the so-called “Cartel of the Suns,” a drug trafficking network labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. Others argue the move is intended to bolster Venezuela’s defenses against potential cross-border incursions by armed groups that may act in coordination with U.S. interests should a military operation unfold.
Tensions have been compounded by escalating violence in Colombia. Over the past week, armed groups employing mercenaries who had previously fought in Ukraine shot down a police helicopter using an FPV drone. On Sunday, a Colombian naval vessel was also targeted in a drone attack, raising fears of broader instability spreading across the border.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro directly rebuked Washington’s claims on Monday, dismissing the “Cartel de los Soles” as nonexistent and describing it as a fabricated excuse used by global right-wing movements to undermine governments. His remarks underline a shift in Bogotá’s position, as Colombia—once considered a steadfast U.S. ally in the region—signals that it will not participate in or endorse military actions against Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military buildup has fueled speculation over Washington’s intentions. The deployment of three Aegis-class guided-missile destroyers, at least one attack submarine, 2,500 Marines, and amphibious landing craft has drawn parallels to past regime change efforts. Critics argue that the naval presence, officially justified as part of anti-narcotics operations, could serve as a prelude to renewed attempts at destabilizing Venezuela, recalling the failed 2019 effort led by opposition figure Juan Guaidó.