U.S. Deploys Destroyers to Venezuela Amid Drug War Efforts

The United States plans to send three Aegis guided-missile destroyers into the vicinity of Venezuela, as confirmed by a White House official. This move is associated with President Trump's strategy to combat threats emanating from Latin American drug trafficking organizations. The USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson are scheduled to depart for these waters in the coming days.

A representative from the Defense Department clarified that this military presence is aimed at supporting counter-narcotics operations. Although the military official was not authorized to discuss the details of the deployment, it was mentioned that the ships would be stationed in the region for several months. This military action is part of Trump's broader initiative to utilize the U.S. armed forces in efforts to dismantle drug cartels, which the administration posits are responsible for the influx of fentanyl and other illegal substances into America.

President Trump has also urged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to enhance security measures by taking firmer actions against drug cartels. However, she has resisted any proposals that would compromise Mexico's sovereignty, firmly rejecting any notion of U.S. military intervention. Earlier this year, Trump classified several groups, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations – a classification generally reserved for groups that engage in political violence, rather than purely financial crime.

In a related context, the Trump administration increased its reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, alleging that he collaborates with drug cartels to smuggle fentanyl-laced cocaine into the U.S. The Venezuelan government has dismissed these accusations as unfounded, with Foreign Minister Yvan Gil asserting that the U.S. lacks credibility in its claims against Venezuela.

Following these developments, Venezuela has temporarily prohibited the use of drones in its airspace in response to increased U.S. threats. This decision comes after a 2018 incident where armed drones targeted Maduro during a public event. Maduro has since announced plans to mobilize over 4.5 million militia members across the nation in preparation for potential external threats posed by the U.S., highlighting the rising tensions between the two countries.