US Military Escalation in the Caribbean: Venezuela on High Alert

Strategic Insights -

The US military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, carrying out numerous strikes on vessels, allegedly involved in drug smuggling. According to US Secretary of War Peter Brian Hegseth, the operations have killed at least 61 individuals since early September, with the frequency of attacks rising sharply in recent days. The escalation has intensified concerns about a potential US invasion of Venezuela, with the Venezuelan government declaring a national emergency and strengthening its armed forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Southern Command has conducted at least 15 strikes on vessels in the Caribbean or eastern Pacific since early September, killing at least 61 individuals.
  • The frequency of these attacks has risen sharply in recent days, with two assaults on passing vessels within the past three days.
  • The US military escalation in the Caribbean and near Venezuelan waters began in August, involving 6,000 personnel, several destroyers, anti-submarine aircraft, battleships, nuclear submarines, and F-35 squadrons.
  • The arrival of Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CSG-12) led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, will increase the number of US military personnel in the region to roughly 10,000.
  • The US has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of drug trafficking without evidence and has made similar unsubstantiated claims against Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his government is considering submitting a proposal to the United Nations to end US airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.

Statistics:

  • Since early September, the US military has conducted at least 15 strikes on vessels in the Caribbean or eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 61 individuals.
  • The US military has deployed over 6,000 personnel, several destroyers, anti-submarine aircraft, battleships, nuclear submarines, and F-35 squadrons to the Caribbean and Venezuelan waters.
  • Roughly 10,000 US military personnel will be stationed in the region upon the arrival of Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CSG-12).

Sources:

  • "US Southern Command conducts successful operation in the Caribbean" (Press TV, October 24, 2022)
  • "Trump threatens Venezuela, claims it is 'producing' cocaine" (Press TV, October 24, 2022)
  • "Colombia President submits proposal to UN to end US strikes" (Press TV, October 29, 2022)