A significant U.S. naval contingent has arrived off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions in Latin America and raising concerns over a potential conflict. The deployment, officially described by Washington as part of a mission to combat drug trafficking, comes amid renewed accusations that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads a drug trafficking organization. The United States has placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro for information leading to his arrest.
The naval force consists of three Aegis-class guided-missile destroyers — USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson — supported by the amphibious transport dock ships USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale, as well as the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. Additional assets include P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft and at least one nuclear-powered attack submarine. In total, the task force carries approximately 4,500 U.S. service members, including a 2,200-strong Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Venezuelan President Maduro has responded defiantly. On Monday, he activated the Bolivarian National Militia, which reportedly numbers over 4.5 million members, and announced a major recruitment campaign to take place over the weekend at military bases, barracks, and public squares nationwide.
The presence of a large U.S. force capable of offensive operations has fueled speculation that the mission may extend beyond drug interdiction. Analysts suggest it could be a precursor to a broader campaign aimed at regime change, echoing Washington’s previous attempts to remove Maduro from power.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who supported a failed 2019 coup attempt by recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president, has long been a vocal critic of Maduro. Since returning to office this year, Trump has reinstated a “maximum pressure” sanctions campaign targeting Venezuela’s oil exports, similar to measures previously imposed on Iran. Despite U.S. sanctions, Venezuela’s oil exports have increased, with Chinese companies filling the void left by departing U.S. firms. The renewed focus on alleged drug connections marks a new phase in Washington’s strategy toward Caracas.