Why in News:
The United States has deployed seven naval vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine, near Venezuelan and Central/South American waters, marking one of the largest US naval deployments in the region in recent years.
Description:
- Composition of Fleet:
- Includes destroyers, cruisers, amphibious assault ship, and a submarine.
- Many equipped with Tomahawk missiles, capable of land strikes.
- US Justification:
- Official reason: Anti-drug trafficking operation.
- Accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of narco-trafficking and being an “illegal” leader.
- Venezuela’s Response:
- President Maduro denounced it as aggression.
- Mobilised ~4.5 million militia members for national defense.
- Colombia signalled possible support to Venezuela if attacked.
- Strategic Motives (Underlying):
- To pressure the Maduro regime and reassert US influence in Latin America.
- Geopolitical signalling to Russia and China, who back Venezuela.
- Possible preparation for regime-change operations under the guise of anti-narcotics missions.
Regional Impact:
- Escalates tensions in Latin America, reviving Cold War-style divides.
- Risks military confrontation and regional instability.
- Divides countries between pro-US and pro-Venezuela blocs.
Global Context:
- Illustrates how drug trafficking narratives are used for geopolitical goals.
- Part of US’s “Monroe Doctrine 2.0” – reinforcing dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
- Adds strain to US–Russia–China relations, both supporting Maduro economically and militarily.
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