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11h ago

U.S. Scales Back Caribbean Force, Shifts Amphibious Ships North of Cuba

Officials describe a post-mission reorganization after Maduro’s capture with no announced ground operations against Cuba.

A handout picture released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on July 12, 2021 shows ships of the UK Carrier Strike Group, USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group operating in formation in the Gulf of Aden. - A Japanese-owned oil tanker that came under deadly attack off the coast of Oman is back sailing under her crew's control, its Israeli operator said on July 30. "We can now confirm that the M/T Mercer Street is sailing under the control of her crew and under her own power at 14 knots to a safe location with a US naval escort," Zodiac Maritime wrote on its Twitter page. (Photo by Gray GIBSON / US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP) / XGTY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US NAVY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
La Armada estadounidense retiró parte de su fuerza en el Caribe tras la operación que capturó a Nicolás Maduro, reubicando buques hacia aguas al norte de Cuba.

Overview

  • Troop levels in the region have been cut by about 3,000 to roughly 12,000 personnel, according to reports citing U.S. officials.
  • The USS Iwo Jima and USS San Antonio were repositioned to Atlantic waters north of Cuba, and at least one could return to its Norfolk homeport in the coming weeks.
  • Washington characterizes the moves as a reconfiguration following the January 3 operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, not a prelude to a new ground campaign.
  • President Trump’s remarks about Cuba have prompted speculation, yet the administration has not announced an invasion plan and says missions such as counter-narcotics patrols continue.
  • Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez vowed the island will not yield to threats, responding to the stepped-up rhetoric directed at Havana.