Venezuela has deployed thousands of troops near the Colombian border in response to a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, following reports from American media of a new attack on a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
According to U.S. outlets including CBS, CNN, and NBC, the United States has sent several warships to the Caribbean Sea and carried out a series of deadly strikes against suspected drug vessels in recent weeks.
At least 27 people have been killed so far as a result of the U.S. attacks, raising concerns in Caracas that Washington’s ultimate goal may be to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
Venezuelan Military on High Alert
General Michell Valladares confirmed that Venezuela has launched large-scale military exercises, including the deployment of 17,000 troops in the border state of Táchira, which borders Colombia.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering expanding military operations from sea to land, after authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
“We are now reviewing the possibility of ground operations because we already control the sea,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Leadership Shake-up in U.S. Southern Command
Just one day after Trump’s remarks, Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of the U.S. Southern Command, announced his resignation — barely a year after taking the position.
No official reason was provided for his decision.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro strongly condemned any U.S. attempt at “regime change”, accusing the CIA of orchestrating coup plots.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez also denied reports suggesting she had held talks with U.S. officials regarding Maduro’s potential ouster.
This week, under Maduro’s orders, Venezuela’s military launched its largest-scale drills in years, following a previous U.S. strike in regional waters.
Troops have been stationed across Táchira, particularly near the three main bridges connecting Venezuela and Colombia, as well as in southern border regions with Brazil and along strategic coastal locations.
Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have also begun investigations into whether two people killed in the U.S. naval strikes were citizens of their country.
