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Venezuela launches massive military mobilization as US aircraft carrier enters Caribbean

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 6:45 AM

Venezuela has announced a "massive mobilization" of troops and weapons in response to the arrival of a US aircraft carrier strike group in the Caribbean Sea, amid rising tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said on Tuesday that the nation's land, air, naval, and reserve forces would carry out large-scale exercises through Wednesday as part of an effort to "optimize command, control, and communications" capabilities, describing the deployment as a response to the "imperialist threat" posed by the US build-up.

The drills, he said, were personally ordered by President Nicolas Maduro and will also involve the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force established by the late President Hugo Chávez and incorporated into Maduro's broader "Independence Plan 200" - a strategy which aims to mobilize both regular armed forces and civilian defense units in case of an external attack.

The announcement came hours after the Pentagon confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, had entered the US Southern Command's area of operations, which covers most of Latin America.

The strike group includes more than 4,000 sailors, nine air squadrons, two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, and a missile defense command ship.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ordered the Ford to redeploy from Europe late last month, citing the need to combat drug trafficking and "protect the homeland."

Washington has carried out nearly 20 strikes in recent weeks against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing about 75 people.

Last month, US President Donald Trump admitted that he had authorized the CIA to operate inside Venezuela and hinted at possible "strikes" within the country, though later said no such actions were currently planned.

In addition to the Ford strike group, the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are operating nearby, with more than 4,500 Marines and sailors.

Ten F-35 fighter jets and several MQ-9 Reaper drones have also been deployed to Puerto Rico, which has become a hub for US operations in the Caribbean.

With an estimated 15,000 US military personnel now believed to be stationed across the Caribbean, the situation underlines a significant escalation in tensions between the two long-time adversaries, reviving concerns of a confrontation not witnessed in the Western Hemisphere for decades.

Washington has stepped up military deployments in the Caribbean under the guise of a counter-narcotics mission, sending warships, aircraft, and special operations forces close to the Venezuelan territory.

The US president, in particular, has accused the Venezuelan leader of drug trafficking without presenting evidence. Maduro, in turn, says Washington is using narcotics allegations as a pretext to pursue Washington's plan for a "regime change" and seize control of Venezuela's oil wealth.

While US officials frame the moves as security operations, governments across Latin America warn the buildup resembles preparations for coercive regime-change efforts, citing the recent US strikes on boats accused of drug activity.

Legal experts say US vessel attacks amount to extrajudicial killings even if those targeted are suspected of drug trafficking.

Trump, however, has played down the prospect of a direct war with Venezuela while threatening that Maduro's "days are numbered."