Venezuela is initiating a significant military mobilization in response to the increasing presence of U.S. warships in the Caribbean. This action is described as a necessary measure against what the Venezuelan government perceives as an “imperialist threat.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced that various military branches, including land, air, and naval forces, will engage in exercises lasting until Wednesday.
Military Exercises and Strategy
The maneuvers will also incorporate the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve created under the leadership of former President Hugo Chávez. According to Padrino López, these exercises aim to enhance the country’s command, control, and communication capabilities while ensuring national defense.
Context of Military Mobilization
This mobilization comes amid rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States. The U.S. Navy has confirmed the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in its fleet, to the Southern Command area, which encompasses much of Latin America. This deployment was part of a strategic order by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, directing the carrier from Europe to the Caribbean.
- USS Gerald R. Ford: Accompanied by nine air squadrons and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan.
- USS Winston S. Churchill: Functions as the integrated air and missile defense command ship.
- Personnel: Over 4,000 sailors are part of the accompanying strike group.
The Pentagon has characterized its military presence in the Caribbean as a measure against drug trafficking. However, Venezuelan officials argue that the U.S. intends to destabilize their government, citing past statements from former President Trump about potential CIA operations in Venezuela.
Venezuelan Military Capabilities
Padrino López stated that the mobilization is part of President Nicolás Maduro’s broader “Independence Plan 200.” This strategy involves coordinating conventional military units with militia and police forces to safeguard the nation. Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces numbers around 123,000 members, while Maduro claims that volunteer militias boast over 8 million reservists, a figure disputed by experts regarding the effectiveness of their training.
U.S. Military Presence in the Region
The arrival of the USS Ford brings the number of U.S. military personnel in the region to approximately 15,000. Before this latest deployment, several naval assets, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, were already stationed in the area. Key statistics include:
| Units Deployed | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Marines and sailors | 4,500 |
| Guided-missile destroyers | 3 |
| Attack submarines | 1 |
| Special operations ships | 1 |
| Guided missile cruisers | 1 |
| P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft | Several |
In Puerto Rico, the U.S. has stationed 10 F-35 fighter jets, enhancing its military operations in the Caribbean. Additionally, images have shown at least three MQ-9 Reaper drones deployed in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, alongside approximately 5,000 U.S. troops stationed on the island.
In recent weeks, U.S. bombers have conducted training missions near Venezuela’s coast, including a significant “attack demonstration” by bombers in late October.
