​​​​​​​US Military Buildup in the Caribbean Heightens Tensions with Venezuela

• The United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the Caribbean , marking the largest buildup since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis . The move has sparked sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro , who accuses Washington of fabricating a pretext for conflict.

Expanding US Presence

• The Pentagon has deployed eight Navy ships , a submarine , and ten F-35 fighter jets near Venezuela’s coast. The USS Gerald R. Ford , the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, has joined the fleet, supported by around 6,500 Marines and sailors and an additional 3,500 troops nearby. The Southern Command (Southcom) released footage of Marines conducting live-fire drills aboard the USS San Antonio , framing the operations as part of anti-narcotics missions.

Justification and Controversy

• Washington claims the buildup supports anti-narcotics operations , but recent US strikes targeting alleged smuggling boats have drawn international concern. The latest attacks destroyed ten vessels and killed six people, bringing the total death toll to at least 43 . Critics argue the campaign has gone beyond its stated purpose and risks escalating regional instability.

Regional Reactions

• In a notable shift, Colombian President Gustavo Petro , traditionally aligned with the US, has denounced the strikes as “murder” and suggested a review of US military bases in Colombia. The US currently operates multiple installations across the country, supporting surveillance and counterinsurgency operations.

Broader Geopolitical Context

• Venezuela’s economic dependence on China , which has extended nearly $60 billion in loans , adds another dimension to the standoff. China–Latin America trade reached $518 billion in 2024 , deepening Beijing’s regional influence. Analysts warn that the confrontation could revive Cold War-style rivalries as US military power and Chinese economic clout increasingly overlap in Latin America.

Exam Key Facts

• USS Gerald R. Ford is the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier.

• Current buildup is the largest since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis .

• Venezuela owes $60 billion to China .

• China–Latin America trade hit $518 billion in 2024 .

• Reflects rising US-China competition and renewed regional tensions.