US destroyers move towards Venezuela as Donald Trump ramps up pressure on cartels, Maduro responds with 4.5 million militias
The deployment of naval assets
The USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson are expected to reach the region soon, a US official confirmed on condition of anonymity. A Defense Department source separately noted that the deployment will last 'over the course of several months' and is part of broader counternarcotics operations.
Trump's broader anti-cartel push
The move follows Trump's calls for stronger military involvement in combating cartels he blames for the spread of fentanyl and other drugs in US communities. He has urged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to take tougher steps against cartel activity, though she has firmly opposed any US military intervention, citing Mexico's sovereignty.
Earlier this year, Trump designated Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador, and six Mexico-based groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Traditionally used against groups like al-Qaida, the designation is being applied here to cartels due to their cross-border operations, including drug trafficking and migrant smuggling.
In addition, the Trump administration doubled its reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, accusing him of collaborating with traffickers to send fentanyl-laced cocaine into the United States.
Venezuela's response
Venezuela has rejected the accusations. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated that Washington's drug-trafficking claims expose its 'lack of credibility' and argued that Venezuela pursues peace and sovereignty while the US relies on threats.
The government has also temporarily banned drones in its airspace. This move follows a 2018 incident where explosive-laden drones detonated near Maduro during a televised speech.
On Monday, Maduro announced the deployment of over 4.5 million militia members nationwide, created under former President Hugo Chávez to support armed forces against external or internal threats. Maduro said the US 'has renewed its threats to Venezuela's peace and tranquility.'
Legal actions against Maduro
Maduro was first indicted in 2020 in a New York federal court during Trump's presidency. He and several associates face charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine conspiracy, with the US initially offering a $15 million reward, now raised significantly.
The deployment of US destroyers marks a major escalation, with Washington citing cartel threats while Maduro rallies militias and rejects US claims.
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