Venezuela's Maduro Accuses US of Fabricating War as USS Gerald R Ford Moves Closer to Coast

Strategic Insights -

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of fabricating a war against him, as the country's largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, moves closer to the South American nation's coast. The US has sent the warship to the region amid speculation of an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan government. Maduro has also accused US President Donald Trump of accusing him of being the leader of the organized crime gang Tren de Aragua, which Maduro claims is not involved in global drug trafficking.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, which can host up to 90 aeroplanes and attack helicopters, near Venezuela's coast, amid speculation of an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
  • Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused US President Donald Trump of fabricating a war against him, saying the US is "fabricating an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal and totally fake one".
  • Maduro has also accused Trump of accusing him of being the leader of the organized crime gang Tren de Aragua, which Maduro claims is not involved in global drug trafficking.
  • US forces have bombed 10 boats in the Caribbean in recent months, killing at least 43 people, for their alleged role in trafficking drugs into the US.
  • Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has said the country is conducting military exercises to protect its coast against any potential "covert operations".
  • US Senator Bernie Moreno has been a critic of Colombian President Gustavo Petro's presidency, leading to a significant escalation in the ongoing feud between the two countries.
  • The US has also put Colombia's leadership in its crosshairs, slapping sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and the South American country's interior minister, Armando Benedetti.

Statistics:

  • 15 US warships, including the USS Gerald R Ford, have been sent to the region amid speculation of an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
  • 10 F-35 warplanes have been deployed to the region for anti-drug operations.
  • 43 people have been killed in recent US-led attacks on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
  • 10 boats have been bombed by US forces in the Caribbean in recent months.
  • The US has sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and the country's interior minister, Armando Benedetti.
  • Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has said the country has been conducting military exercises to protect its coast for 72 hours.

Sources:

  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/25/what-military-force-has-the-us-positioned-off-venezuelas-coast]
  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/24/us-deploys-aircraft-carrier-amid-hardening-stance-towards-venezuela]
  • [https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/ls2560.aspx]