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Maduro, Nicolás

US Boosts Maritime Force in Venezuela Waters Amidst Speculation of Invasion

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States has announced an increase in its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela, with more than 4,000 personnel being deployed to support "Venezuelan operations and missions" related to drug cartels. The move has sparked widespread speculation among Venezuelans, with the government capitalizing on the fear by appealing to people to join a beleaguered militia. The opposition, on the other hand, has welcomed the US action, with some leaders branding it as a sign that President Nicolas Maduro's rule is nearing an end.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US is deploying more than 4,000 personnel to the waters off Venezuela, including three amphibious assault ships, to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels.
  • The deployment is part of a broader strategy to thwart cartels blamed for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities and for perpetuating violence in some US cities.
  • US President Donald Trump has designated Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador, and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their involvement in drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and violence.
  • Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repudiated the allegations of drug trafficking and accused the US of using the issue as a pretext to justify an invasion.
  • Maduro has called on Venezuelans to join a volunteer militia to assist the armed forces in case of attack, although the government has long claimed the militia's membership to be above 4.5 million, a figure that is likely an overcount.
  • The opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has welcomed the US action and thanked Trump administration officials for taking a "courageous and clear" approach towards the Venezuelan government.

Statistics:

  • 4,000: The number of personnel being deployed to the waters off Venezuela to support "Venezuelan operations and missions" related to drug cartels.
  • 3 amphibious assault ships: The number of ships being deployed to the area, in addition to the three US Aegis guided-missile destroyers confirmed last week.
  • 6.4 million: The number of votes claimed by Maduro in the 2018 presidential election, according to electoral authorities.
  • 3.4 million: The number of votes detailed tally sheets released by the opposition showed Maduro received in the same election.
  • 4.5 million: The number of members in Venezuela's volunteer militia, according to the ruling party, although this figure is likely an overcount.

Sources:

  • New Delhi Times, "US boosts maritime force in Venezuela waters to combat drug cartels"
  • Chatham House, Christopher Sabatini, "The US is not preparing for an invasion of Venezuela"
  • Fox News, Maria Corina Machado, "Venezuelan opposition leader thanks Trump administration for 'courageous and clear' approach"
  • New Delhi Times, "Venezuelan government repudiates US allegations of drug trafficking"

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