US Increases Caribbean Military Presence as Venezuela Completes Defense Preparations

The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops, naval vessels, and aircraft near Venezuela as part of intensified counter-narcotics and regional security operations authorized by President Trump. This build-up includes reopening the Roosevelt Roads base in Puerto Rico, deploying F-35 jets and MQ-9 drones, and engaging in strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in at least 27 deaths. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has responded by declaring his country's comprehensive defense plan complete and ordering extensive military exercises, including the mobilization of soldiers, police, and civilian militias, as a countermeasure to what he calls U.S. threats and attempts at regime change. Maduro accuses the U.S. of plotting to overthrow his government under the guise of fighting drug trafficking, while the U.S. maintains its operations are aimed at disrupting narcotics networks. The situation remains tense with ongoing military activities on both sides, highlighting escalating geopolitical friction in the region.