The United States government has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean Sea with the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. The operation was ordered by President Donald Trump in October and is part of an anti-drug strategy that, according to the Pentagon, seeks to “strengthen the US ability to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that undermine the security and prosperity of the Homeland.” This information comes from teleSUR.
The incorporation of the USS Gerald Ford, a nuclear-powered ship capable of carrying more than 75 military aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet fighters and E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft, has provoked criticism from several Latin American governments. They argue that the action represents a direct threat to the region’s sovereignty, declared a peace zone a decade ago by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Bombings and Allegations of Abuses
Although the Pentagon claims that the objective of the operation is to combat drug trafficking, reports of bombings against vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and the Pacific have raised questions about the true nature of the mission. Reports indicate dozens of fatalities in recent military actions.
The operation, which covers Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, also includes the deployment of warships, a submarine, fighters, and US troops, mainly in areas near the Venezuelan coast.
Pressures Against the Maduro Government
The military escalation occurs parallel to a political and economic campaign by Washington against the Venezuelan government. In addition to the military presence, the United States has offered cash rewards for information leading to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, whom they accuse, without presenting evidence, of leading an alleged drug cartel.
Governments and analysts in the region believe that the hardening of Trump’s policy is part of a strategy of destabilization and geopolitical control over Latin America and the Caribbean, especially at a time of growing cooperation among Global South countries.
Source: brasil247.com