Footsteps of a new war? The US has sent an aircraft carrier

The US Navy has announced that the country's most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has reached the Caribbean Sea and that it is increasing its military presence in the region. The US administration characterizes this military operation as an "anti-drug operation," but many observers view the move as a maneuver to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

THE LARGEST US BUILDUP IN THE CARIBBEAN

The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the region completes the largest US military buildup seen in the Caribbean in decades. Since September, the US has conducted 20 operations against small boats allegedly carrying drugs, with at least 80 people reported killed. This military buildup, part of a strategy described by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as "Operation Southern Spear," consists of approximately 12,000 US troops and more than 10 warships.

The USS Gerald R. Ford's strike group includes squadrons of fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers. The Navy announced that the aircraft carrier passed through the Anegada Passage near the Virgin Islands on Sunday morning. Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, commander of the strike group, stated that this deployment would further strengthen existing American forces in the Western Hemisphere to "protect national security and prosperity against narco-terrorism."

THE GOAL IS TO STOP THE FLOW OF DRUGS 

Although the US administration argues that the presence of warships in the region is intended to stop the flow of drugs, it has not provided any evidence that the individuals killed were "narco-terrorists." President Donald Trump signaled that operations could continue to expand, stating that the US would stop the flow of drugs "not only by sea but also by land."

Experts, while not viewing the USS Gerald R. Ford as a suitable tool for combating narco-terrorism, suggest that the ship could be a powerful instrument of intimidation to increase pressure on Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly characterizes Maduro as an "intermediary organization" that collaborates with drug traffickers. The Venezuelan government, meanwhile, claims that the US attacks are a "fabricated war" and has increased its defensive preparations against these threats.

MADURO'S "FABRICATED WAR" CLAIM

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro characterizes these threats directed at him by the US as a "fabricated war." Maduro announced that the Venezuelan government has declared a major mobilization covering both soldiers and civilians against these potential attacks. Venezuela views the "armed conflict" process being conducted by the US against cartels as a threat to the country's independence.

DISAGREEMENT IN THE US: WILL MILITARY FORCE BE USED?

Some experts within the US are divided on whether warplanes will carry out an attack on ground targets in Venezuela. However, all these developments have left the international community and regional leaders in great concern. Elizabeth Dickinson from the International Crisis Group commented, "There is serious anxiety about what the role of US military power in Latin America means once again. This is worrying the entire region. Everyone is waiting to see how willing the US really is to use military force."

News Source: 12punto