Massive concentration of US forces in the Caribbean. Preparing to attack Venezuela?

The Spanish news agency EFE noted on Saturday in extensive correspondence regarding the Caribbean Sea and nearby waters of the Pacific Ocean that for several months “the presence of the US navy, combat aircraft and special forces in the anti-drug operation called Spear of the South has been constantly increasing.”

According to EFE, such a large deployment of Washington's forces may be part of preparations for a possible American attack on Venezuela.

F-35, destroyers and nuclear ships

Since August this year, the Caribbean Sea and the eastern part of the Pacific have turned into an area of ​​military expansion of the United States, which has sent destroyers armed with guided missiles, nuclear-powered submarines, F-35 planes, helicopters, amphibious aircraft, drones and ships carrying troops to these waters – EFE reminded.

All these forces, according to Washington's announcements, are to be used to fight drug smugglers, and the fleet patrolling the Caribbean Sea includes, among others, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, amphibious landing forces and MQ-9 drones – we read in a dispatch from the Spanish agency.

An operation on the scale of the Middle East?

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank, cited by EFE, the planned number of US troops in the region may amount to “tens of thousands of people”, which would expand the scope of military operations – “with the participation of the largest number of people fighting under the American flag since (US forces) operated in the Middle East”.

From August to October this year, the number of U.S.-flagged warships, amphibious aircraft and aircraft carriers nearly doubled. At the same time, 10,000 landed in Puerto Rico. American Marines.

170 Tomahawks on standby

It is also estimated – EFE noted – that 170 Tomahawk missiles are ready for use and are on board American surface ships sent to the Caribbean region.

President Donald Trump's administration has continually maintained that this military capability is for the “fight against drug trafficking.”

At the same time, Washington suggests that troops in the Caribbean “could be used for larger operations, including possibly putting military pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.”

The Pentagon has already admitted that it presented President Trump with “various options, including an attack on Venezuela's fortifications and military facilities,” EFE recalled. (PAP)

ik/ wr/ rtt/