Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of “fabricating a war” following Washington’s decision to deploy the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean Sea. The move marks a major escalation in America’s military build-up in the region.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the carrier capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft to move from the Mediterranean on Friday. The Pentagon said the deployment falls under the US Southern Command, which covers Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, and aims to “disrupt narcotics trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal organisations (TCOs).”
Maduro, speaking on state media, claimed the US is manufacturing conflict. “They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war,” he said.
The deployment comes as the US intensifies its anti-narcotics operations, which include warships, F-35 fighter jets, and even a nuclear submarine. Washington says these actions target drug traffickers and criminal groups such as Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang accused of running smuggling networks across Latin America.
Earlier this week, US forces launched airstrikes on boats allegedly linked to traffickers, killing six individuals described as “narco-terrorists.” However, regional leaders and international law experts have questioned the legality of these strikes, warning they could further destabilise the region.
Analysts believe the build-up is more than a drug war. “This is about regime change,” said Dr Christopher Sabatini of Chatham House, suggesting the US aims to pressure Venezuela’s military and Maduro’s inner circle.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that former President Donald Trump may be considering expanding operations to target drug facilities inside Venezuela, raising concerns about potential ground intervention.
As the USS Gerald R Ford moves into position, tensions between Caracas and Washington appear set to reach their highest point in years.
