On 26/8, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and naval vessels to patrol the Caribbean coastline. He stated that "several large vessels" would be present in the northern part of the country's territorial waters.
This move comes amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington, after US media reported that the Pentagon had sent three warships and 4,000 marines to the region near Venezuela to counter drug trafficking.
A US source told AFP that President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two additional ships, the cruiser USS Lake Erie and the attack submarine USS Newport News, to the Caribbean to confront criminal gangs. They are expected to arrive next week.
![]() |
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez in Caracas, 5/2023. Photo: AFP |
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez in Caracas, 5/2023. Photo: AFP
The Venezuelan government has requested UN intervention, asking the US to "immediately cease the military deployment in the Caribbean Sea".
Despite the escalating situation, observers believe a US invasion or attack on Venezuela is unlikely. Many Venezuelans also consider the deployment a show of force.
"I think what's happening is an attempt to create unease within the Venezuelan government to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to negotiate something," said analyst Phil Gunson of the International Crisis Group, based in Belgium.
Since his first term, President Trump has pursued a "maximum pressure" policy against his Venezuelan counterpart, including oil sanctions that remain in effect. However, US efforts have so far failed to oust Maduro.
After returning to the White House in January, President Trump focused on attacking Venezuela over the activities of drug gangs. Washington accuses Maduro of "leading" the Cartel de los Soles, which the Trump administration has designated a terrorist organization.
![]() |
Location of Venezuela. Graphic: BBC |
Location of Venezuela. Graphic: BBC
The US recently doubled the reward to USD 50 million for the capture and prosecution of Maduro on drug trafficking charges.
President Maduro denies all US accusations, claiming that President Trump is seeking regime change in Venezuela.
Pham Giang (According to AFP)