Naval forces of the United States stationed vessels off the coast of Venezuela as part of a counter-narcotics mission

In the Southern Caribbean, a notable military presence has emerged, with the U.S. sending a naval force to nearby waters. This move, while larger than usual, does not signal plans for a direct invasion, according to White House sources.

The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has reiterated President Trump's readiness to use all elements of American power against drugs and those responsible. This stance comes in light of the designation of criminal groups like the Tren de Aragua, Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, and others as terrorist organizations by the U.S. administration.

The U.S. operations are primarily focused on anti-drug missions by the military, aimed at disrupting transnational drug networks, protecting the southern border, and maintaining regional security. To this end, P-8 reconnaissance planes have been deployed for intelligence gathering in international waters as part of the counterdrug operations.

However, not all parties are in agreement with this military buildup. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. actions as a "massive propaganda operation" and a threat to national sovereignty. In response, Maduro's government has mobilized the Bolivarian Militia and deployed 15,000 troops to the western border with Colombia, and has also deployed drones and warships along the coast.

Despite this opposition, many Caribbean nations continue to support U.S. counterdrug efforts. The exact Caribbean states involved in these cooperation agreements have not been specified in the reports, but it is clear that the region is playing a significant role in the U.S.'s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking.

The White House has emphasized readiness for broader action, with Leavitt stating that Trump is prepared to use all elements of American power to stop drugs from entering the U.S. and to bring those responsible to justice. The U.S. government maintains that avoiding direct military confrontation is of utmost importance in these operations.

In light of these developments, the Southern Caribbean region is at the centre of a complex geopolitical landscape, with nations working together to address the pressing issue of drug trafficking and maintain regional security.

Naval forces of the United States stationed vessels off the coast of Venezuela as part of a counter-narcotics mission