Part 11/15:
This military activity follows a broader naval buildup launched last month, which included deploying destroyers, nuclear submarines, and thousands of Marines to the Caribbean. U.S. officials frame the maneuvers as part of a counter-narcotics campaign, aiming to disrupt drug trafficking—yet many analysts view these as a strategic pressure on Venezuela’s government.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sharply criticized the operations, alleging that the U.S. buildup threatens regional stability and includes missile platforms targeting Venezuela. Maduro’s rhetoric warns of a “bloodstained” conflict if the U.S. attempts regime change, emphasizing that Venezuela would respond with "maximum rebellion," potentially mobilizing gangs like MS-13 in defense of the capital.