Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fordthe largest in the world, yesterday entered the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command (Southcom). According to the Pentagon, the mission aims to counter transnational criminal organizations and drug traffickinga clear warning to the regime Nicolas Maduro. Gerald R. Ford carried four squadrons of F/A-18E Super Hornet fighters and was accompanied by, among others, three guided missile destroyers.
From the United States Congress, I can confirm that our largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has entered South Atlantic Command’s area of control, to join the military deployment against the Sun Cartel. Strength and fe. pic.twitter.com/4IoJp1tCC5
— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) November 11, 2025
From Caracas, the Venezuelan government reacted by defining the arrival of the aircraft carrier as a direct threat to national sovereignty. The Ministry of Defense announced “massive deployment of land, sea, river, air and missile troops” as part of the defense plan ordered by President Maduro. According to international sources, around two hundred thousand troops have been placed on standby to prevent US operations in the region.
The crisis becomes more complicated with decisions United Kingdom to suspend intelligence sharing with America regarding vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. London fears the data could be used to justify military action in violation of international law. In fact, since last September, several attacks have been reported on ships suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, resulting in dozens of fatalities. The suspension of the flow of information, which began more than a month ago, represents a significant rift between two historic allies in the fight against organized crime.
The reaction in this region was not long in coming. Government Brazil, Colombia And Mexico they expressed concern regarding military escalation in the Caribbean Sea, and called for restraint and respect for international law. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underscored the need for a multilateral approach in fighting drug trafficking, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro spoke about “a dangerous step towards regional destabilization”.
Maduro, in a speech broadcast on national television, defined the presence of American aircraft carriers as “an imperialist provocation” and promised that Venezuela “will defend its sovereignty by any means necessary” Venezuela has announced the start of “mass mobilization“military personnel, weapons and equipment.
Land, air, sea and reserve troops will carry out a series of exercises until Wednesday. In addition to regular military units, the drills will involve the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force created by the late president Hugo Chavez.
