The BareStory
The United States has increased pressure on Venezuela, expanding its military presence in the Caribbean and conducting strikes on boats in the region. The U.S. military deployment is described as the largest in the U.S. Southern Command's area in a generation, and one report indicates the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is moving toward the area.
As part of the escalation, the U.S. is reportedly moving to designate the military-linked Cartel de los Soles a terrorist organization. According to a separate report, President Donald Trump has approved covert measures by the CIA inside Venezuela, and U.S. planners have created target lists for cartel-related sites. Sporadic U.S. strikes on alleged cartel boats have also reportedly increased.
Amid the heightened military activity, a report indicates that President Trump plans to speak with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The subject of the planned discussion is said to be recent deadly U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean.
Ukraine’s intelligence chief has claimed that a Russian general was reassigned to train Venezuelan forces, though this has not been independently verified. Some analysts stated there is little evidence of a coordinated link between U.S. actions in Europe and the Caribbean, suggesting the timing is likely a coincidence. According to one analyst, Russia's ability to respond would be limited by its military engagement in Ukraine, while another noted that removing Maduro would strip Russia of a significant foothold in the Western Hemisphere.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• The large military deployment, described as a generational high, increases potential risk for U.S. service members operating in the Caribbean region.
• Actions against the Cartel de los Soles, including strikes and a potential terrorist designation, could disrupt the group's operations, with unspecified effects for the U.S.
• Increased pressure on Venezuela, a Russian ally, may heighten geopolitical tensions, though analysts note Russia's ability to respond could be limited by other engagements.
