US Military Escalates Actions in Latin America Amid Venezuela Tensions

The United States has significantly increased its military operations in Latin America, recently conducting a lethal strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel. This action coincided with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean Sea, reflecting a substantial military buildup in the region amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.

On November 15, 2023, the Pentagon reported that the Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed a “lethal kinetic strike” on a boat linked to a designated terrorist organization. The operation, authorized by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, targeted a vessel navigating a well-known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific. The strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals described by US officials as “narco-terrorists.” Intelligence indicated that the vessel was transporting narcotics in international waters. This latest strike marks potentially the 21st operation against suspected smuggling boats since September 2023, contributing to a total of at least 83 fatalities across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific connected to these counter-narcotics efforts.

Military Buildup and Operations

The timing of this military escalation aligns with the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean on the same day as the strike. This deployment represents the largest US military presence in the region in decades. The Ford, along with its carrier strike group, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands and will join around a dozen other Navy vessels and approximately 12,000 sailors and Marines already stationed as part of “Operation Southern Spear.”

Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, who oversees the carrier group, emphasized that the deployment aims to “protect our nation’s security and prosperity against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.” He noted that this operation significantly expands the US naval presence offshore, reinforcing the US commitment to combat drug trafficking in the region.

In contrast, the Venezuelan government perceives this military buildup as a direct threat to President Nicolás Maduro and his administration. While US officials assert that the operations are solely focused on counter-narcotics, the scale and frequency of these military actions have raised concerns regarding Washington’s broader strategic intentions in South America.

Expansion of Military Training

In a related development, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced on November 15 that US troops have resumed jungle warfare training in Panama. This move signals an expansion of American military activity in the region, with Driscoll stating, “We’re reactivating our jungle school.” He indicated that the forces would be prepared to act on any directives issued by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.

As the US continues to intensify its military operations, the implications of these actions will likely resonate throughout Latin America, particularly in light of the ongoing complexities involving Venezuela and its neighboring countries. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for increased tensions as military presence expands.