The United States Navy has positioned the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, in proximity to Venezuelan waters as part of a broader military operation in the Caribbean.
Carrier Group Near Venezuela Raises Tensions
The deployment has been officially presented by the US Pentagon as a mission to “detect, monitor and disrupt illicit acts that threaten the security and prosperity of the US homeland and our security in the western hemisphere.”
From Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro contends the move signals a deliberate show of force against his government rather than a standard counter-narcotics measure.
Maduro Accuses US of Fabricating Conflict
In a nationally televised address, Maduro accused the administration of Donald Trump of “fabricating a new eternal war” against Venezuela. He stated: “They promised they would never again get involved in a war and they are fabricating a war that we will avoid.” Maduro rejected accusations linking his government to drug trafficking and cited Venezuela’s lack of cocaine production to dismiss US allegations.
He labelled the campaign as “an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal and totally fake one,” arguing that the carrier’s arrival is part of an aggression strategy masked as anti‐drug operations.
Opposition Figure Faces Citizenship Revocation Proceedings
Parallel to the escalating regional standoff, Maduro announced legal proceedings against exile opposition leader Leopoldo López, aiming to revoke his Venezuelan citizenship and cancel his passport. López, currently residing in Spain, has publicly expressed support for US military deployments and operations targeting alleged drug shipments linked to Venezuela.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused López of promoting invasion, economic blockade and mass murder in complicity with foreign governments. López countered that the Venezuelan constitution prohibits revoking nationality of someone born in Venezuela and vowed to “pursue all measures to restore democracy”.
Regional Implications and External Military Actions
The US campaign has expanded in recent months: at least 10 maritime vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking have been struck since September, resulting in 43 confirmed deaths. Simultaneous military exercises with regional partners and the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford have prompted concerns over the true objective of the force buildup.
Analysts observe that the proximity of the carrier and the scale of accompanying maritime and air assets indicate a potential shift from naval interdictions toward land-based contingencies. The Venezuelan armed forces have responded with coastal exercises and the mobilisation of militia forces along key border areas, citing the possibility of covert US operations or incursion.