Venezuela’s Maduro Accuses US of War Fabrication as USS Ford Deploys

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly accused the United States of “fabricating a new war” following the deployment of its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. This move represents a significant escalation in US military presence in a region already fraught with tension.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, enhances US firepower in the Caribbean. The Pentagon confirmed that the carrier will operate within the Southern Command area, which covers Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, this deployment is intended to “enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.”

In the face of these developments, President Donald Trump has labeled Maduro as the leader of a drug-trafficking organization, a serious allegation that Maduro vehemently denies. Many Venezuelans express concern that the increased military presence signals an intention to remove Maduro from power. The US government, along with several other nations, does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following the 2024 election, which was widely criticized for being unfair. Opposition groups reported a landslide victory for their candidate.

The US military’s actions include a reported ten airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean, actions the Trump administration claims are part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking. Despite these claims, experts note that Venezuela plays only a minor role in the overall drug trade in the region.

Maduro responded to the US actions, stating, “They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war,” suggesting that the US is seeking to create “a new eternal war.” He emphasized the potential for the carrier to enable ground strikes, raising tensions further.

Trump has hinted at possible ground actions in Venezuela, stating earlier this week, “We stopped all drugs from coming in by sea. I will stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly. You’ll see that starting.” Moreover, the US has bolstered its air presence, with military aircraft sighted over Puerto Rico.

While reports indicate that Trump is contemplating strikes on cocaine facilities and trafficking routes in Venezuela, no definitive decision has been made as of yet. Analysts observe that intercepting drugs at sea does not necessitate such a large military deployment, suggesting that the current situation may be more about posturing than direct action.

As tensions escalate, the implications of this military buildup could have far-reaching effects on US-Venezuela relations and the stability of the Caribbean region. The world watches closely as this situation continues to unfold.