The U.S. is sending three guided-missile destroyers to the coast of Venezuela in a move aimed at tackling threats from drug cartels in Latin America. This deployment is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking and enhance security in the region. The USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson are expected to arrive within the next day and will be joined by around 4,000 sailors and Marines.
The U.S. military plans to use these naval assets not only for intelligence and surveillance but also potentially for targeted strikes if necessary. Alongside the warships, several P-8 spy planes and at least one attack submarine will also be deployed, as part of ongoing operations in international waters and airspace.
President Trump has made it clear that addressing the activities of drug gangs is a priority, linking it to broader efforts to secure the U.S. southern border and limit immigration. Recently, the administration designated several drug organizations, including Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, as global terrorist groups. This designation has intensified military and law enforcement actions against these groups.
In response to the U.S. military buildup, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to defend the country’s territory, referring to the U.S. actions as a threat from a "declining empire." The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as the complex issues surrounding drug trafficking in the region.
As this military operation unfolds, the U.S. aims to enhance its surveillance of drug cartels and gather intelligence to effectively counter their operations. The deployment of these warships marks a significant commitment to addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking in the Caribbean and beyond.
