The arrival of a US aircraft carrier off the coast of Latin America has heightened speculation that the US may seek to overthrow Venezuela’s government.
The Venezuelan government said it was preparing its military in case of an invasion or military attack by the United States.
A statement shared by Minister of Popular Power Vladimir Padrino on Tuesday said preparations include “a large-scale deployment of ground, air, naval, riverine and missile forces,” as well as the participation of police, paramilitary and civil forces.
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The announcement comes as the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in the region increases speculation of possible military action aimed at overthrowing the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a longtime rival of the US.
Tensions between the two countries have been rising since US President Donald Trump returned for a second term in January.
On Tuesday, the Pentagon confirmed that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes the world’s largest aircraft carrier, had arrived in the Caribbean carrying at least 4,000 sailors and “tactical aircraft.”
In recent weeks, the U.S. government has also sent more troops to areas near the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago, for training and other operations.
The Trump administration has framed these deployments as necessary “to combat illicit drug trafficking and protect our homeland.” Trump administration officials have also accused Maduro of masterminding the activities of Torren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that has a relatively modest presence in the United States.
But President Maduro and his allies accuse the United States of “imperialist” aims.
But questions remain as to whether Venezuela is prepared to fend off the advance of U.S. forces.
Experts say Maduro’s government is trying to project an image of military preparedness in the face of a major U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, but could face difficulties due to a lack of personnel and modern equipment.
The government is using the possibility of US intervention to rally support, but President Maduro is also struggling with widespread discontent at home and growing diplomatic isolation following a disputed 2024 election marred by widespread allegations of fraud and a crackdown on protesters.
The military buildup in the Caribbean region began after a series of attacks by the US military began on September 2nd.
The United States has launched at least 19 airstrikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, killing about 75 people.
President Trump suggested that “the next step would be a ground attack.” However, in late October, when asked if he was considering an attack inside Venezuela, President Trump answered “no.”
Legal experts say a military attack on Venezuela would likely violate international law, and a recent YouGov poll suggests that about 47% of Americans oppose a ground attack on Venezuelan territory. Meanwhile, about 19% said they supported such attacks.
Venezuela’s military has voiced support for President Maduro and said it would resist any U.S. attack, but Reuters reported that the government is struggling to provide military personnel with enough food and supplies.
The addition of militias and police could signal an effort to plug holes in Venezuela’s lackluster military. Reuters reports that the government memo includes plans to establish small forces in about 280 locations that could use sabotage and guerrilla tactics for “prolonged resistance” to a potential U.S. invasion.
