cartels, with more vessels expected to arrive next week. Despite the buildup, there is no indication of a land invasion, and analysts and officials say an invasion is unlikely. The deployment has sparked widespread speculation in Venezuela, fueled by social media and state television, though the U.S. government has not signaled any land incursion.

Currently, the U.S. Navy has two Aegis guided-missile destroyers, the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham, in the Caribbean, along with the USS Sampson and the USS Lake Erie in the Pacific off Latin America. Three amphibious assault ships, comprising more than 4,000 sailors and Marines, are set to enter the waters off Latin America by next week. The exact destinations of the USS Iwo Jima, the USS San Antonio, and the USS Fort Lauderdale have not been disclosed.

The stated purpose, according to Admiral Daryl Caudle, is to support Venezuelan operations against drug cartels; much of the relevant information remains classified, and Caudle emphasized that naval forces provide options for military commanders and for the president and defense secretary. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s push to use the military to counter drug trafficking and curb fentanyl and other illicit drugs entering the U.S.

Maduro’s government responded by dismissing the threats, claiming that over 90% of Venezuelans reject the announcements and asserting that Venezuela is sovereign and inviolable. He denied drug-trafficking accusations from the U.S., insisting Venezuela is free of coca leaf crops and cocaine production. Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada asked the UN Secretary-General to urge the U.S. to stop hostile actions and respect Venezuela’s sovereignty.

In response to the deployment, Maduro called on Venezuelans to join a volunteer militia to assist the armed forces in case of attack, hosting recruitment drives. The ruling party has long claimed a militia membership above 4.5 million, though this figure is viewed as an overcount given migration and shifting support. Electoral authorities had previously asserted Maduro won last year’s election with 6.4 million votes, while opposition tallies suggested about 3.4 million votes.

The opposition’s stance is mixed. Maria Corina Machado greeted the U.S. actions as a move toward change and criticized the government for not energizing the populace, while some opposition voices criticized the militia recruitment as opportunistic. Christopher Sabatini of Chatham House characterized the situation as primarily signaling and pressure tactics rather than a real invasion, while criticizing opposition leaders for exploiting public sentiment without sustained momentum. (Jamaica Gleaner)