Venezuela at "Maximum Preparedness" Amid US Military Deployment in Caribbean

Strategic Insights -

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warned that his country was at "maximum preparedness" and ready to respond if attacked by US forces deployed in the Caribbean. The US has not signaled any plans for a land invasion, but Maduro's government has taken defensive measures, including deploying troops and urging citizens to join a civilian militia. The US has increased its military presence in the region, with the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, USS Sampson, and USS Lake Erie already deployed, and three amphibious assault ships set to enter the region this week.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maduro declared "maximum preparedness" for Venezuela's defense, citing the US military deployment as an "extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral, and absolutely criminal and bloody threat."
  • The US has deployed a total of 8 warships, including the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, USS Sampson, and USS Lake Erie, with three amphibious assault ships set to enter the region this week.
  • Maduro's government has deployed troops along the coast and border with Colombia, and is urging citizens to join a civilian militia.
  • Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil argued that the US maritime forces deployment is built on a "false narrative" and that only 5% of cocaine produced in Colombia is trafficked through Venezuela.
  • Landlocked Bolivia and Colombia are the world's top cocaine producers, according to a United Nations report cited by Gil.
  • Maduro's government maintains two lines of communication with the Trump administration, one with the State Department and another with Trump's envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell.

Statistics:

  • 87% of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific, according to a United Nations report.
  • 5% of cocaine produced in Colombia is trafficked through Venezuela, according to a United Nations report.

Sources:

  • AP, "Venezuela's Maduro denies any US military plans, amid US deployment"
  • AP, "US expands military presence in Caribbean, sending 3 amphibious assault ships"