• The U.S. has deployed seven warships and a nuclear submarine in the Caribbean, stating it aims to combat drug cartels.
• Venezuelan President Maduro condemns the military buildup as a threat to national sovereignty.
• The U.S. doubled its bounty on Maduro to $50 million for drug trafficking charges.
• Venezuela seeks UN support against what it calls aggressive U.S. military actions.
• Experts question whether the U.S. presence is genuinely about drugs or signals a prelude to regime change.

The United States has significantly increased its naval presence in the Caribbean, deploying seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine in response to threats from Latin American drug cartels. This large-scale military buildup, described as the largest in years, aims to enhance counter-narcotics operations in the region and has sparked concern in Venezuela. According to reports, the U.S. Naval fleet includes various ships, such as the USS San Antonio and USS Iwo Jima, bringing with them over 4,500 personnel, including sailors and Marines, with operations speculated to commence soon, according to TRT Global, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently rejected the presence of U.S. forces, calling it an "illegal" attempt to destabilize his administration. He emphasized that Venezuela is being unjustly portrayed as a hub for drug trafficking, stating, "We, Venezuelans, are within our own law, and no one touches this land." Maduro has accused the U.S. of perpetuating "outlandish accusations" and has called for civil defense initiatives, urging citizens to join voluntary militia forces to prepare for any potential military action, as highlighted by TRT Global, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

The U.S. government, while insisting that the operations are focused on dismantling drug trafficking networks, has not provided specifics about the military's strategy against cartels. U.S. officials have reiterated a commitment to targeting organized crime in the region, asserting that Venezuela plays a significant role in the drug trade. However, Venezuelan officials argue that this narrative is a guise for a potential military intervention, undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty. This dynamic reflects the complexities of U.S.-Venezuela relations and raises questions about true intentions behind the military buildup, as discussed in reports from TRT Global, South China Morning Post, and Reuters.

The military presence has led to speculation about the possibility of regime change, as various analyses suggest that the buildup may serve multiple purposes, including exerting pressure on Maduro's administration. Experts note that while the strategic deployment indicates serious intentions, it remains unclear whether an invasion is feasible or if the military show is merely "gunboat diplomacy." Following the announcement of the U.S. naval forces, Maduro called on citizens to enhance their military readiness, further showcasing the ongoing tug-of-war between U.S. authority and Venezuelan sovereignty, according to TRT Global, South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.