Venezuela plans to deploy 25,000 troops to its coastal states following the arrival of American warships in the Caribbean, which the US says is to combat drug cartels.
Venezuela is increasing its military presence in coastal and border regions amidst rising tensions with the US. This action follows the US dispatching warships to the Southern Caribbean last month, an operation Washington says targets drug cartels.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced Sunday that President Nicolas Maduro ordered the deployment of “all available” troops and equipment to the states of Zulia, Falcon, Nueva Esparta, Sucre, and Delta Amacuro. He stated troop deployments would increase from approximately 10,000 to 25,000, noting the area as a “drug trafficking route.”
“No one is going to step on this land and do what we’re supposed to do,” Padrino stated in a video posted on social media.
Last month, Venezuela also sent 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia.
These deployments occur amid growing tensions with Washington. The US has deployed three warships and roughly 4,000 troops to the Southern Caribbean, claiming the operations aim to counter drug cartels.
Last week, the US Navy sank a boat it alleged was carrying drugs from Venezuela, resulting in 11 deaths. Following this, two Venezuelan jets flew over a US warship. President Donald Trump warned that Venezuelan planes could be shot down if they threaten American vessels.
Despite US claims that its operations target drug trafficking, Maduro has accused the US of seeking regime change in Venezuela. He urged Washington to reconsider its alleged plans, stating his respect for Trump and Venezuela’s openness to dialogue. He also vowed to declare Venezuela a “republic in arms” if attacked.
Last week, Trump denied seeking regime change but questioned Maduro’s legitimacy. He also asserted that the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans from drugs justify increased US military activity in the Caribbean.
The US is currently offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of collaborating with organized crime groups. Maduro has consistently denied these accusations.
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