Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of “fabricating a new war” after Washington ordered the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean — a move that significantly escalates U.S. military presence in the region.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, is being deployed under the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees operations across Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.
According to the Pentagon, the mission aims to strengthen U.S. capabilities to “disrupt narcotics trafficking” and “dismantle transnational criminal organizations.”
However, Maduro has rejected that explanation, alleging that Washington’s true goal is to destabilize his government.
“They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and yet they are fabricating one,” he told state media on Friday. “The U.S. is seeking a new eternal war.”
Rising Tensions and Political Backdrop
The deployment follows ten U.S. airstrikes on vessels in the region, which American officials say are part of ongoing anti-drug operations.
But tensions between Caracas and Washington have sharply deepened in recent months. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization — an allegation the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied.
Trump has also hinted at possible “land action” in Venezuela, telling reporters this week that the U.S. is “looking at land now” after gaining control of the sea.
“We stopped all drugs from coming in by sea. I will stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly,” Trump said before departing for a trip to Asia.
Analysts fear the latest deployment could be a prelude to direct military intervention or an intensified blockade aimed at forcing Maduro from power.
Disputed Election and Regional Fallout
The U.S. and several Western nations do not recognize Maduro’s presidency, following Venezuela’s 2024 election, which was widely denounced as neither free nor fair.
Unofficial opposition tallies suggested their candidate had won by a landslide, while state media declared Maduro the victor.
Despite frequent U.S. accusations, Venezuela plays only a limited role in regional narcotics trafficking, experts say. Nonetheless, Washington has steadily increased surveillance flights and naval patrols in the Caribbean, and BBC Verify has identified a growing number of U.S. military aircraft operating out of Puerto Rico.
As the USS Gerald R. Ford steams toward regional waters, Maduro’s government has called for international condemnation of what it describes as a “dangerous provocation” — raising fears that U.S.-Venezuelan relations, already at their lowest point in years, could soon deteriorate even further.
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