Amanda CastroGabe WhisnantJohn Feng

By Amanda Castro, Gabe Whisnant, and John Feng

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

The United States is deploying the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to waters near Venezuela, escalating its military presence in the region as part of a broader campaign to disrupt drug trafficking and transnational criminal networks. The move, announced Friday by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, follows a directive from President Donald Trump to intensify counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere.

What to Know:

Newsweek's live blog is closed.

Oct 24, 2025 at 04:30 PM EDT

Trump weighs military action against cocaine operations inside Venezuela

Venezuela, one of Latin America’s most urbanized nations, holds vast reserves of oil, coal, iron ore, and gold. Once a significant oil exporter, the country has faced economic collapse due to mismanagement, falling oil prices, and political instability under President Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013, claimed victory in the disputed 2024 presidential election. The opposition and many Western governments have rejected the result, citing a lack of transparency and credible voting data. Opposition candidate Edmundo González fled to Spain after receiving threats of arrest.

The country continues to grapple with hyperinflation, shortages, and mass emigration, with over seven million Venezuelans fleeing abroad. Meanwhile, Venezuela remains locked in a territorial dispute with Guyana over the oil-rich Essequibo region, which Caracas claims despite an international arbitration ruling in Guyana's favor.

Maduro’s government retains support from allies like Russia, China, and Iran, while the U.S. and EU have adopted a cautious diplomatic approach, seeking a peaceful transition of power. The crisis has deepened Venezuela’s isolation and raised concerns about regional stability.

Oct 24, 2025 at 04:17 PM EDT

US and Venezuela: Three signs point to risk of war

A growing show of force in the Caribbean is fueling fears that the United States and Venezuela are inching toward military confrontation. Over the past months, Washington has assembled an extensive naval and air presence near Venezuelan waters—the largest seen in decades—while authorizing the CIA to operate inside the country.

Officially framed as part of a counter-narcotics campaign, the operations have escalated with U.S. strikes on multiple vessels allegedly carrying narcotics. Venezuelan authorities report that these strikes have resulted in at least 37 deaths, though the U.S. has provided limited detail about those on board. The attacks have drawn regional condemnation and heightened concerns that the real objective may be to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to leave power.

Why It Matters

The U.S. has not displayed this level of military strength in Latin America since the Cold War, and the convergence of conventional forces with covert intelligence operations marks a dramatic escalation. For the Trump administration, the campaign is presented as an effort to choke off drug routes and target so-called “narco-terrorists.” For critics, it represents a familiar pattern: the prelude to regime change dressed in the language of law enforcement.

For Venezuela, the situation has become both a national security threat and a political test. The government has placed its armed forces on alert and turned to the United Nations for support, warning that the U.S. campaign could violate its sovereignty. With both militaries now positioned for confrontation, the risk of escalation, intentional or otherwise, has sharply increased.

Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.

Oct 24, 2025 at 04:03 PM EDT

What kind of government does Venezuela have? What to know

Venezuela, once a leading oil exporter with vast mineral wealth, remains mired in economic and political turmoil under President Nicolás Maduro. Following a contested 2024 election, Maduro was declared the winner by the state-controlled electoral commission, though opposition candidate Edmundo González and numerous foreign governments dispute the result.

The country faces rampant inflation, widespread shortages, and mass emigration, with over seven million Venezuelans fleeing abroad. Despite possessing some of the world’s largest oil reserves, mismanagement and falling global prices have crippled the economy.

Maduro’s government continues to clash with international critics, including the U.S. and EU, which have refused to recognize his presidency without transparent voting data. Meanwhile, allies such as Russia, China, and Iran maintain support.

Venezuela also remains locked in a territorial dispute with Guyana over the oil-rich Essequibo region. A recent referendum backed Venezuela’s claim, further complicating regional diplomacy.

As the crisis persists, efforts to negotiate a peaceful transition have gained traction, but Maduro’s grip on power and the fractured opposition present steep challenges.

Oct 24, 2025 at 03:51 PM EDT

U.S. military buildup in Caribbean signals pressure campaign on Venezuela

The United States has staged its most significant military deployment in the Caribbean in decades, assembling warships, bombers, drones, and special operations assets near Venezuela. While the Trump administration frames the operation as a crackdown on narcotics trafficking, analysts say the scale and posture suggest a broader strategy aimed at destabilizing President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Over the past two months, the U.S. has conducted strikes on small vessels it claims were carrying drugs and “narco-terrorists,” though it has not provided evidence or details about those killed. Critics argue the campaign lacks transparency and legal justification, and may be intended more as intimidation than interdiction.

Satellite imagery and flight-tracking data confirm the presence of advanced U.S. assets, including B-52 bombers, F-35 fighter jets, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and guided-missile cruisers. A converted cargo ship capable of supporting special forces operations was also spotted near Trinidad and Tobago.

The CIA has been authorized to operate inside Venezuela, raising concerns about covert actions ranging from intelligence gathering to sabotage. Despite a $50 million bounty for Maduro’s arrest, no defections have occurred within his inner circle, which analysts say is shielded by corruption and fear of prosecution.

Experts warn that while a full-scale invasion is unlikely, the deployment is designed to pressure Venezuela’s military and elite into turning against Maduro. Whether the strategy succeeds—or escalates into direct conflict—remains uncertain.

Oct 24, 2025 at 03:38 PM EDT

What’s Venezuela’s military size?

Venezuela’s armed forces comprise roughly 109,000 active personnel, but the total number swells when paramilitary and reserve units are included. Estimates suggest 220,000 paramilitary members and 8,000 reservists, with some sources claiming national militia figures range from 1.6 million to over 4 million—though their combat readiness remains uncertain.

The country’s military inventory includes 600 to 700 armored vehicles, around 200 main battle tanks, approximately 100 combat-capable aircraft, and several dozen helicopters. Despite these figures, analysts say Venezuela’s operational capacity may be as low as one-third of its total manpower.

Years of economic turmoil have eroded the military’s effectiveness, leading to declining troop conditions and challenges with equipment maintenance. As tensions with the United States escalate, questions persist about Venezuela’s ability to sustain a coordinated defense effort.

Oct 24, 2025 at 03:25 PM EDT

Rand Paul warns Trump’s foreign policy could alienate MAGA base

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) cautioned Friday that President Donald Trump’s expanding foreign policy agenda—including military involvement in Venezuela and support for Ukraine—risks alienating core supporters who backed his anti-interventionist platform.

Speaking on Politico’s “The Conversation” podcast, Paul criticized a proposed $20 billion economic aid package to Argentina and warned that further U.S. funding for Ukraine could trigger backlash. “If it looks like he is coming down on the side of getting us involved with Ukraine… I think you’re going to see all hell break loose,” Paul said.

He argued that Trump’s potential embrace of regime-change efforts in Venezuela and military aid to Ukraine could be more politically damaging than controversies surrounding the Epstein case. While acknowledging Trump’s past reluctance to pursue regime change, Paul expressed concern about the influence of hawkish advisers like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Paul’s remarks reflect growing unease among non-interventionist conservatives as Trump’s foreign policy shifts toward more aggressive posturing in Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Oct 24, 2025 at 03:12 PM EDT

Trump’s Venezuela strategy sparks conservative backlash over military escalation

President Donald Trump’s expanding military campaign in the Caribbean and against Venezuela is drawing criticism from conservative analysts and former allies who once championed his opposition to “forever wars.” The administration has launched airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats and deployed over 10,000 troops, warships, and aircraft to the region, fueling speculation about regime-change ambitions.

Critics, including Stephen K. Bannon and Curt Mills of The American Conservative, warn that the strategy mirrors past neoconservative interventions. Mills called the campaign “avoidable catastrophe” and questioned the administration’s legal basis for lethal strikes, which have killed nearly 40 people, some reportedly civilians.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen as driving the push to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, framing it as an “America First” effort to combat narcotics and migration. Trump has authorized CIA covert operations and threatened economic retaliation against Colombia, whose president accused the U.S. of killing a fisherman in a September strike.

Despite Trump’s past aversion to regime-change wars, analysts say his administration is elevating military solutions to complex regional issues. Defense Priorities scholars argue that the cartels are being falsely equated with terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, and warn of mission creep without clear objectives or legal justification.

Oct 24, 2025 at 02:59 PM EDT

Also in the news: Liberia agrees to accept wrongfully deported migrant amid legal standoff

The Trump administration announced Friday that Liberia has agreed to accept Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant whose wrongful deportation earlier this year sparked a legal and political firestorm. U.S. officials say Abrego Garcia could be removed to Liberia as early as October 31, though his attorneys are expected to challenge the move.

Abrego Garcia, currently in immigration custody, became a symbol of the administration’s hardline deportation policies after courts ruled his initial expulsion to El Salvador violated a standing order. Despite Costa Rica’s willingness to receive him, the White House has repeatedly rejected that option, instead pursuing agreements with Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana, and now Liberia.

His legal team condemned the plan as unconstitutional and punitive, warning that without assurances from Liberia, Abrego Garcia could be sent back to El Salvador. The Justice Department described Liberia as a “thriving democracy” and a close U.S. partner.

Meanwhile, federal judges in Maryland and Tennessee are scrutinizing the administration’s handling of both his civil and criminal cases. A Nashville judge recently found a “realistic likelihood” that Abrego Garcia’s indictment was driven by vindictive prosecution, prompting a subpoena for Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

As legal battles intensify, the administration faces mounting pressure to justify its actions and resolve a case that has tested the limits of executive authority over immigration enforcement.

Oct 24, 2025 at 02:47 PM EDT

Venezuelan Defense Minister rejects U.S. pressure, vows to defend sovereignty

Venezuelan Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López said on Friday that the country’s armed forces will not allow a government “enslaved to U.S. interests,” amid rising tensions with Washington and increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean.

In an address, Padrino emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to peace, stating that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) would defend national sovereignty in harmony with the people. “We are a free country, unshakable and determined to protect our independence,” he said.

Padrino criticized calls for war, arguing that those advocating conflict “do not understand what it means.” He also accused the CIA of being involved in past coup attempts in Venezuela, regardless of diplomatic presence.

Reflecting on recent U.S. actions, Padrino said that external aggression over the past ten weeks has only strengthened national unity and reinforced support for President Nicolás Maduro. He described the state as fully committed to defending Venezuela against foreign interference.

Oct 24, 2025 at 02:35 PM EDT

WATCH — Trump: Venezuela President Maduro ‘doesn’t want to f*** around with US’

Oct 24, 2025 at 02:22 PM EDT

USS Gravely to dock in Trinidad for joint military exercises

Container operations at the Port of Port-of-Spain will be partially suspended from October 26 to 30 to accommodate the arrival of the USS Gravely (DDG-107), a U.S. Navy destroyer scheduled to dock on Sunday. The visit coincides with joint training exercises between the 22nd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF).

According to a statement from the Ministry of Caricom and Foreign Affairs, the exercises will focus on infantry tactics, equipment maintenance, and advanced medical capabilities. Officials say the collaboration aims to boost interoperability and deepen long-term defense ties between the two nations.

The USS Gravely, staffed by roughly 300 sailors, is equipped for multi-domain warfare, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations. Its arrival comes amid a broader U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, part of President Donald Trump’s campaign against Latin American drug cartels.

Trinidad’s government has endorsed the deployment, emphasizing its support for regional security while denying any involvement in efforts to unseat Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Oct 24, 2025 at 02:05 PM EDT

Maduro touts missile stockpile as U.S. weighs military action in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claimed Wednesday that his country has deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles across its territory, citing “key air defense positions” amid rising tensions with the United States. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump considers expanding a counter-narcotics campaign into Venezuelan territory.

Speaking during a televised military event, Maduro said the shoulder-fired missiles—capable of downing drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft—had been positioned in “every mountain, town, and city.” The Igla-S system is comparable to the U.S. Stinger missile and is designed for short-range defense.

The U.S. has recently deployed 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean and conducted multiple lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels. Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela and signaled possible land-based military action, part of a broader effort to pressure Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a criminal regime.

The escalation has drawn bipartisan scrutiny in Congress, with lawmakers questioning the legality of the strikes and the scope of U.S. intervention. Maduro, meanwhile, has framed the buildup as a prelude to invasion and praised Venezuela’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.

Oct 24, 2025 at 01:48 PM EDT

U.S. drug boat strike raises legal questions as death toll climbs

The U.S. military killed six people aboard a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Friday, marking the tenth strike in a rapidly expanding campaign under President Donald Trump. The operation, which Hegseth said targeted a boat operated by the Venezuelan-linked Tren de Aragua gang, brings the total death toll to 43.

The Trump administration has framed the strikes as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, invoking post-9/11 legal authority to justify targeting suspected traffickers as combatants. Critics, including legal scholars and lawmakers, argue the campaign violates international law by targeting civilians without due process.

Hegseth posted a grainy video of the strike and reiterated the administration’s stance: “We will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda.” The administration has not publicly released a legal framework for the operations, relying instead on policy arguments about overdose deaths and cartel violence.

Since January, Trump has designated several Latin American criminal groups as terrorist organizations and shifted military focus toward Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro faces U.S. drug trafficking charges. Colombian officials have accused the U.S. of killing civilians in multiple strikes, further fueling international scrutiny.

The administration is reportedly weighing land-based operations in Venezuela, raising concerns about escalation and the legality of unilateral military action.

Oct 24, 2025 at 01:32 PM EDT

Trump declares armed conflict with drug cartels, drawing war on terror comparisons

President Donald Trump has formally labeled drug cartels as unlawful combatants, invoking post-9/11 legal authority to justify a series of military strikes targeting suspected traffickers across Latin America. The declaration, made earlier this month, frames the administration’s anti-narcotics campaign as an “armed conflict,” echoing language used during the U.S. war on terrorism.

At a White House roundtable Thursday, Trump dismissed the need for a congressional war declaration, saying, “We’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country.” His remarks follow a surge in military operations, including strikes on suspected cartel-linked vessels and expanded deployments in the Caribbean.

The aggressive posture has sparked bipartisan concern on Capitol Hill. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), a former Pentagon adviser, warned of potential escalation and questioned the lack of transparency. “We have no idea how far this is going,” Kim said.

Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida defended the strategy, calling it overdue. “Trump obviously hates war,” he said, “but he’s not afraid to use the military in targeted operations.”

Oct 24, 2025 at 01:18 PM EDT

U.S. strike near Venezuela fuels speculation over broader objectives

The United States has intensified its military campaign in the Caribbean with another strike targeting suspected drug traffickers, drawing renewed attention to the Trump administration’s focus on the Tren de Aragua gang. Designated a foreign terrorist organization, the group has been blamed for fueling violence and narcotics distribution across Latin America and into U.S. cities.

While the origin of the latest vessel was not disclosed, officials say at least four of the 10 boats struck since September have been traced to Venezuela. The growing number of attacks, coupled with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and Thursday’s flight of two supersonic bombers near Venezuela’s coast, has prompted speculation about potential regime-change ambitions.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces U.S. narcoterrorism charges, responded by mobilizing military and civilian forces along the country’s 2,000-kilometer coastline. In a televised address, he claimed full defensive coverage and warned of possible U.S. aggression.

Though the administration insists its operations are aimed at curbing drug trafficking, regional analysts suggest a broader strategic message. “Drugs are the excuse,” said Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group. “The U.S. is signaling that it will use military force against leaders and countries that don’t fall in line.”

Oct 24, 2025 at 01:09 PM EDT

U.S. deploys aircraft carrier to South America amid intensified anti-drug operations

The Pentagon announced Friday that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is being redirected from the Mediterranean Sea to the waters off South America, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. military’s campaign against drug trafficking and transnational crime.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the deployment to U.S. Southern Command to enhance surveillance and interdiction capabilities across the region. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the move aims to disrupt “illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States."

The carrier group, which includes three destroyers, is expected to take several days to reach its new operating area. The announcement follows a string of recent U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels, including one overnight attack in the Caribbean Sea that killed six people. Hegseth attributed the vessel to the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal organization with roots in Venezuela.

The Pentagon has now conducted ten maritime strikes since September, with the pace accelerating to three this week alone. Two of the latest operations occurred in the eastern Pacific, expanding the geographic scope of U.S. military action against narcotics trafficking networks.

In a social media post, Hegseth emphasized the administration’s aggressive posture: “If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda. Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you."

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines