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Venezuela Sends Warships and Drones as U.S. Adds Cruiser and Sub to Caribbean Buildup

Washington says the warships target designated narco‑terror groups, a rationale Caracas rejects as a pretext.

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Overview

  • Venezuela announced naval patrols and a significant drone deployment along its Caribbean coast, with Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino citing operations in the Gulf of Venezuela and beyond.
  • U.S. officials say a guided‑missile cruiser and a fast‑attack submarine are being sent to join three destroyers and an amphibious squadron carrying roughly 4,500 personnel, including about 2,200 Marines.
  • Caracas filed a complaint at the United Nations calling for the immediate end of the U.S. deployment and labeled the reported presence of a nuclear‑powered submarine an act of intimidation.
  • President Trump’s team frames the operation as a push against ‘narco‑terrorist’ organizations tied to Venezuela’s leadership, alongside a $50 million reward for information leading to Nicolás Maduro’s arrest.
  • Maduro has mobilized militia forces and ordered at least 15,000 troops to border states, while analysts quoted by AFP describe the military moves on both sides as signaling rather than preparation for imminent strikes.