US Warships Head to Venezuela Amid Record Drug Seizure and Increasing Border Security
Tensions in the Caribbean are escalating as the United States deploys warships to Venezuela amid a record-breaking drug seizure off the coast of Florida, and Venezuela bolsters its border security and naval patrols in response.
Background
According to reports from Folha de S.Paulo and Al Jazeera English, the US warships initially retreated to avoid Hurricane Erin, but have now set sail again towards the Caribbean waters and Venezuela. This move comes at a time when Venezuela is facing accusations from the US of leading a drug cartel, as reported by Le Monde.
Record Drug Seizure and Border Security
Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard has made the largest seizure of illegal drugs in its history off the Florida coast, intercepting 61,740lbs of cocaine and 14,400lbs of marijuana, valued at $473m, according to The Guardian and Fox News.
In response to the US's actions, the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, has announced the deployment of 15,000 members of the security forces to its border with Colombia to counter narcotrafficking, as reported by Le Monde and South China Morning Post. In addition, according to Folha de S.Paulo, Venezuela is planning to patrol its territorial waters with drones and navy ships.
Naval Squadron Arrival and Reactions
Al Jazeera English has reported two more US ships are expected to join the amphibious squadron off the coast of Venezuela in an anti-drug cartel operation. This move has led to speculations of imperial ambitions, with Venezuela deploying warships and drones in anticipation of the US naval squadron's arrival.
South China Morning Post reports Maduro, during his weekly television show, singled out Trump’s top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning the US move risked becoming a debacle.
Conclusion
The standoff between the two nations continues to intensify, with Le Monde reporting that Caracas has decided to send ships and drones to patrol its territorial waters against the 'aggressor' American, which has positioned several destroyers off the coast of Venezuela. The situation remains tense as both countries assert their positions in the face of escalating conflicts over drug trafficking.