US eyes Venezuela: world’s largest aircraft carrier, 5,000 troops and 75 jets deployed in Caribbean

Washington: Taking a major military step amid increasing tension between the US and Venezuela, Washington has started demonstrating its power in the Caribbean Sea. On the orders of President Donald Trump, the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has been deployed, carrying more than 5,000 troops and 75 fighter jets. Experts believe that this step is increasing the fear of a possible attack on Venezuela, which could give a new height to geopolitical tension in Latin America.

Expansion of military deployment: What is America's strategy?

Under the order issued on Friday, the US Navy has strengthened its presence in the Caribbean region to an unprecedented level. In addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford—which was commissioned in 2017—eight additional warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 fighter aircraft have also been deployed. "This increased military presence will strengthen our ability to detect, deter, and dismantle illicit activities that threaten the security of the United States and the stability of the Western Hemisphere," said Pentagon spokesman Sean Purnell.

Although officially it is being described as an anti-narcotics mission, analysts say that this operation is much bigger than this. US forces have carried out 10 airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea since September, killing 40 people—some of whom were Venezuelans.

Accusations on Venezuela: Center of drug trafficking and crime?

America has made serious allegations against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. According to the White House, the Maduro government is harboring drug trafficking and criminal gangs. The Trump administration has increased the reward for Maduro's arrest to $50 million (approximately Rs 420 crore). In response, Maduro has accused America of conspiring to remove him from power. Another development that is increasing this tension is America's relations with Colombia. Trump called Colombian President Gustavo Petro a 'drug leader,' to which Colombia has expressed strong objection.

Decades-old tension between Venezuela and America

Tension between Venezuela and America is decades old. The Trump administration has accused the Maduro government of undermining democratic institutions and protecting drug traffickers. Several people with ties to Venezuela have been killed in recent months in operations to stop drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. The USS Gerald Ford was recently sailing through Europe and is now headed to the Caribbean.

Experts' concern: threat to regional stability

Geopolitical experts are calling this Trump's strategy of 'showing strength'. "The move could raise concerns among Latin American countries about US intentions and inflame tensions across the region," a leading analyst said. The United Nations and other international organizations are also keeping an eye on this deployment, as it could affect global trade and energy supplies.

The sound of war

The Pentagon did not specify the exact timing of the deployment, but the move could further worsen US relations with Venezuela and its neighboring countries. If tensions are not resolved, the Caribbean Sea could become the center of a new conflict. Leaders around the world are alert to this situation.