Tensions between the US and Venezuela are increasing. America once again attacks a ship suspected of smuggling drugs. The aircraft carrier “Gerald R. Ford” has now reached its operational area.
The US has again attacked a ship suspected of being a drug smuggler in the eastern Pacific. US Navy Southern Command (Southcom) said three people were killed. Therefore, the operation was carried out on Saturday.
The largest US aircraft carrier “USS Gerald R. Ford” has now arrived in its operating area in the Caribbean. There are more than 4,000 sailors and dozens of fighter jets on board. They joined forces there to dismantle a criminal network, the US Navy said.
Venezuela speaks of threatening action
The carrier had reached a wider operational area a few days ago. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth then announced the “Southern Spear” military operation. Hegseth, who has for some time been named by US President Donald Trump’s administration as secretary of war, did not name the attack or its specific location.
Tensions between countries are increasing. Venezuela sees America’s strong military presence as a threat. The US military justified the relocation of the aircraft carrier from the Mediterranean region to the Caribbean as follows: The deployment is a firm step to underscore the US’ determination to protect its own security.
21 attacks – more than 80 people killed
For weeks, the US military has been attacking ships suspected of carrying drug smugglers in the Caribbean and Pacific. According to CNN, this was the 21st attack with a total of 83 fatalities. This approach has received international criticism. The UN called on the US government to exercise restraint.
The carrier’s relocation also fueled speculation about whether the US government really cares about combating drug trafficking – and even less about the change of power in Venezuela. The Trump administration accused President Nicolás Maduro of being involved in drug smuggling into the United States. Trump also recently confirmed that he had approved covert operations carried out by the US foreign secret service CIA in Venezuela.
