Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of "fabricating a new war" after Washington ordered the deployment of its world's largest warship to the Caribbean. The USS Gerald R Ford, carrying up to 90 aircraft, is believed to be part of an increased US military presence in the region.
Maduro described the move as a deliberate attempt by the US to start a new eternal conflict in Venezuela. "They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war," he said in his address on Saturday.
The deployment marks a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and Caracas, with fears growing that the US military build-up is aimed at removing Maduro from power. However, the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied any involvement in drug trafficking, which Trump has accused him of being the leader of.
The USS Gerald R Ford's arrival comes after 10 air strikes on vessels in the area as part of a declared "war" on drug traffickers. The US claims these strikes are aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
However, military analysts argue that intercepting drugs at sea does not require such significant force. Dr Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, described the build-up as intended to "strike fear" into the hearts of Venezuela's military and Maduro's inner circle in order to prompt them into action against him.
The US has also bolstered its air presence in the region, with BBC Verify identifying multiple US military aircraft across Puerto Rico. The situation amounts to a constitutional crisis, with Brian Finucane, a former US State Department lawyer, warning that the White House is usurping congressional control over the use of military force.
Despite these tensions, Trump has stated that he believes the US Congress can approve any further strikes, and is considering targeting cocaine facilities and drug trafficking routes in Venezuela.
Maduro described the move as a deliberate attempt by the US to start a new eternal conflict in Venezuela. "They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war," he said in his address on Saturday.
The deployment marks a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and Caracas, with fears growing that the US military build-up is aimed at removing Maduro from power. However, the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied any involvement in drug trafficking, which Trump has accused him of being the leader of.
The USS Gerald R Ford's arrival comes after 10 air strikes on vessels in the area as part of a declared "war" on drug traffickers. The US claims these strikes are aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
However, military analysts argue that intercepting drugs at sea does not require such significant force. Dr Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, described the build-up as intended to "strike fear" into the hearts of Venezuela's military and Maduro's inner circle in order to prompt them into action against him.
The US has also bolstered its air presence in the region, with BBC Verify identifying multiple US military aircraft across Puerto Rico. The situation amounts to a constitutional crisis, with Brian Finucane, a former US State Department lawyer, warning that the White House is usurping congressional control over the use of military force.
Despite these tensions, Trump has stated that he believes the US Congress can approve any further strikes, and is considering targeting cocaine facilities and drug trafficking routes in Venezuela.
. It feels like the US is playing with fire over there. deploying a massive warship to the Caribbean just makes things worse. I don't think intercepting drugs at sea needs such force...it's all about sending a message, not actually doing anything about the problem. And Trump's still claiming Maduro is involved in drug trafficking? it's so suspicious 
. The fact that they're building up their military presence and Congress isn't really being consulted is a huge red flag 
. We should be trying to find peaceful solutions here, not escalating tensions...
I'm so tired of all this back and forth between the US and Venezuela. It's like they're just playing a game of chicken out there. Newsflash: deploying the USS Gerald R Ford isn't gonna magically solve anything! It's just gonna create more tension and put everyone in harm's way. 
What's really going on here is that Maduro has some legit grievances, and Trump is trying to muscle in on Venezuelan affairs like a big ol' bully. Meanwhile, the US is basically saying "we're not listening" to all the other international players who are tired of this drama.
The last thing Venezuela needs is more aggression from the US. They've got enough on their plate already. What do you guys think? Am I being too soft on Maduro, or is the US being way out of line?
. I get it, the US wants to take on cartels and transnational orgs, but is that really what's at play? 
I wish the international community could take a step back and have a calm conversation about how to address these complex issues without resorting to military might 
. The situation is looking increasingly volatile, and we need to be careful not to let our emotions get the better of us 
.
. Maduro's all worried about war, but I'm pretty sure it's just the US trying to flex its muscles and show who's boss in the region 
. Trump's been saying one thing, but I think he's just posturing for the cameras 
. The reality is that Venezuela needs help, economic crisis and all, so maybe they should be working together instead of against each other 
. What do you guys think? Should Maduro be worried, or is the US just trying to keep an eye on the region?
. US deploying massive ship 2 show power but might b a way 4 them 2 negotiate w/ venezuela instead? 
️ also why isnt venezuela talking 2 china or europe about this crisis? 
. It feels like they're trying to intimidate him into doing their bidding 
. I get that Trump wants to crack down on drug trafficking, but this might just give Maduro more ammo to play the victim 
. It's like they're fueling the fire 
This is getting out of hand! I don't think the US needs to bring its biggest warship to the Caribbean just to fight against drug traffickers 
. It feels like we're heading towards a disaster. The US is sending its biggest warship to the Caribbean and Maduro is accusing them of fabricating a new war... that's already super concerning on its own 
. That's a huge power grab and it's not right 
. We need our leaders to have a dialogue, not escalate tensions with military force 
. It feels like we're being pulled back into the same old cycle of violence and instability 
. Something needs to change, and fast! 
, and i'm not buying the "drug traffickers" excuse either 
. meanwhile, maduro's not going anywhere anytime soon 
Have you guys seen the videos of the US military intercepting vessels in the area? It looks like they're just trying to exert control over someone else's territory... 
come on guys, it's like Maduro's getting played here. The US is basically saying "we're gonna deploy our biggest warship to the Caribbean" without even consulting anyone 
. And now they're accusing him of fabricating a new war? Give me a break 
.
. Wake up, people! This ain't no drill 
. Newsflash: it's not working. Maduro's just gonna keep on denying any involvement in drug trafficking and the US will be left looking like a fool 
.
. The US saying they're just gonna start fighting drug trafficking doesn't sit right with me either... it feels like they're trying to justify some other motive