USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Latin America Amid Heightened US Military Presence
CARIBBEAN SEA - The USS gerald R. Ford, the world’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, has entered Latin American waters, accompanied by a substantial increase in US military assets in the region, according to the US Navy and reports from The Guardian. The deployment marks the largest US military presence in the area in decades, reminiscent of the scale seen during the 1989 invasion of Panama.
The carrier, boasting a crew of 4,000, is joined by other warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and aircraft stationed in Puerto Rico. This show of force is intended to counter illegal activities, disrupt drug trafficking, and dismantle international criminal organizations, stated Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell in a US Navy release.
The deployment comes as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced a large-scale mobilization of his contry’s armed forces – including land, sea, air, river, and missile units, and also civilian militia - in response to the US naval presence near its coastline.
The increased military activity is partially attributed to the trump governance’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. As September, at least 76 people have reportedly been killed in airstrikes targeting vessels suspected of drug smuggling.
Analysts suggest the deployment is also aimed at increasing pressure on Maduro to step down, while the Venezuelan president has expressed concerns that the United States intends to initiate a new conflict. The USS Gerald R. Ford carries dozens of aircraft and is supported by accompanying destroyer warships.
