maduro Accuses U.S. of Provocation Amidst Caribbean Tensions
Caracas,Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has severed communications with teh United States,alleging threats of “bombs,death and blackmail” following a U.S. military buildup in the caribbean and the bombing of a vessel allegedly carrying drugs from the Venezuelan coast. The escalating tensions center around accusations of drug trafficking and a perceived U.S. attempt at regime change.
Maduro’s government claims the U.S.is leveraging the issue of drug trafficking as a pretext for intervention. This follows Washington’s declaration in August of a important naval deployment to the Caribbean, including the amphibious group led by the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), alongside the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and USS San Antonio (LPD-17). Accompanying these vessels are destroyers – the USS Zumwalt (DDG-109), USS Halsey (DDG-107), USS Sampson (DDG-102), and USS Lake Erie (CG-70) – P-8 reconnaissance aircraft, and an attack submarine. Ten F-35 fighter jets were also deployed to Puerto Rico.
earlier this month, U.S. forces bombed a boat identified as carrying drugs originating from the Venezuelan coast. The incident sparked controversy as the standard U.S. procedure in such cases typically involves interception, arrest, and confiscation. Washington subsequently released video footage of the vessel exploding.Maduro’s government initially dismissed the video as artificially generated, but has since asserted its right to legitimate defense.
In response to the escalating situation, Maduro has called for increased enrollment in the Bolivarian militias, a civilian volunteer armed force, with reports of pressure on public employees to join.
The incident comes amidst longstanding political and economic turmoil in Venezuela, with the Maduro government facing international criticism and sanctions. The military deployment and accusations of drug trafficking represent a significant escalation in the already strained relationship between the two countries.
