U.S. Southern Command Displays Caribbean Operations Amidst Venezuela Concerns
MIAMI – The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) released images Friday showcasing recent military activities in the Caribbean Sea, highlighting increased U.S. presence in the region. The photographs depict maneuvers involving vessels designed for discreet operation in international waters,accompanied by a SOUTHCOM statement: “U.S. Marines from the Marine expeditionary Unit conduct low-visibility vessel operations in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean to support the Southern Command mission, operations led by the U.S. War Department, and President Trump’s priorities.”
The released materials also include images and videos of fighter jets equipped with missiles participating in exercises involving live fire and precision drills. These deployments signal a demonstration of U.S. military power and a focus on the Caribbean as an area of strategic interest. The operations are part of a broader training program encompassing combat simulations and artillery practice.
The increased U.S. activity occurs against a backdrop of rising diplomatic tensions with Venezuela. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that Venezuelan air surveillance systems recently detected aircraft approximately 75 kilometers from the national territory. ”The Venezuelan Integrated Air System has detected these planes. the fact was verified and verified,” Padrino López said,describing the incident as an ”alleged harassment” by U.S. forces.
The timing of SOUTHCOM’s image release coincides with growing international concern regarding the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as noted by the United Nations.SOUTHCOM’s operations are officially linked to counter-narcotics efforts in the caribbean,a long-standing focus of the command’s mission.