The Trump administration has ordered three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers and an attack submarine to waters off Venezuela, Reuters reported, citing U.S. defense officials. The deployment, which involves roughly 4,000 sailors and Marines, is intended to disrupt drug-trafficking networks operating in and around the South American nation. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have framed the move as part of a broader campaign against Latin American cartels, which Washington says exploit Venezuela’s coastline to move narcotics into the United States. The action adds military pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government, already subject to U.S. sanctions and a $50 million State Department reward for Maduro’s arrest on narcotics-related charges.
🛳️ Tres destructores estadunidenses de misiles guiados Aegis llegarán a las costas de Venezuela en las próximas 36 horas como parte de un esfuerzo para hacer frente a las amenazas de los cárteles de la droga latinoamericanos https://t.co/WAVQvuWhUg
🚨The noose is tightening around dictator Nicolas Maduro & his narco regime. His days are numbered. - Designated head of Cartel de los Soles - $50 million reward for his capture - 3 US Navy Destroyers en route to Venezuela Thank you, President Trump & @SecRubio! https://t.co/Ljn4erx1GJ
🚨¿Que hará el tirano Nicolás Maduro cuando lleguen los 3 buques destructores de Estados Unidos a las costas de Venezuela? Nicolás, bufón lárgate a Cuba antes que sea demasiado tarde. https://t.co/bpTDeuCtWQ