US Destroyers Leave Trinidad and Tobago Amid Tensions with Venezuela
The US destroyers, including the USS Gravely, have departed from Trinidad and Tobago after a four-day stay close to the Venezuelan coast. This development comes amidst increasing tensions between Washington and Caracas, with varying reports suggesting potential American military action in Venezuela (source: Folha de S.Paulo).
Background and Context
The presence of American vessels off the Venezuelan coast has been viewed as an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The US has been conducting military activities in the Caribbean and Pacific regions against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government has condemned these activities as 'military provocation' (TASS).
Developments and Details
Media reports suggest the US has identified potential targets within Venezuela for military operations. The Wall Street Journal reported that these targets include military facilities allegedly used for drug trafficking by the Cartel de los Soles, linked to the Maduro regime (TASS, Corriere della Sera, ANSA). Satellite images verified by Sky News show US military ships conducting drills around 200km off the Venezuelan coast.
Contrasting with these reports, the White House has pushed back on the claims of impending military action. White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, has stated that unnamed sources don't know what they're talking about
and that any policy announcements would come directly from President Trump (Fox News).
Implications and Reactions
The potential US military action has stirred international reactions. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has requested help from Russian President Putin and condemned the military activities as a serious threat to peace in the Caribbean region (ANSA, TASS). Trinidad and Tobago, an archipelago located near Venezuela, has also placed its army on alert due to the crisis (Le Monde).
Amid the escalating tensions, US Senator Rick Scott suggested that Maduro's days in power are numbered and that he should consider fleeing the country. In contrast, a Sky News report questioned the motive behind the US's military build-up, suggesting it could be more than just a war on drugs.
Conclusion
The departure of US destroyers from Trinidad and Tobago marks another chapter in the evolving tensions between the US and Venezuela. With conflicting reports about potential US military action in Venezuela, the international community remains on edge. For now, the official stance of the White House is that no decision has been made on any military operations in Venezuela (Fox News).