The United States has significantly escalated its military operations in the Caribbean as part of what it describes as a campaign against drug trafficking. This escalation includes the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the region. The move, ordered by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marks a major intensification of the US military presence in an area that has recently seen increased activity aimed at disrupting narcotics operations.
On Friday, Hegseth commanded the USS Gerald R. Ford to leave the Mediterranean Sea and head toward the Caribbean. This aircraft carrier is capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and reconnaissance aircraft, making it a formidable asset in any military undertaking. The deployment comes amid an already growing US naval presence in the Caribbean, which now includes eight other warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 stealth fighter aircraft.
The US military has been proactive in targeting drug trafficking vessels in the region, conducting airstrikes against boats alleged to belong to criminal organizations. One such operation occurred on the same day as the carrier’s redeployment, when Hegseth announced that six individuals described as “male narco-terrorists” had been killed in an airstrike in the Caribbean Sea. The targeted vessel was said to be linked to the Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization based in Venezuela.
These strikes have sparked considerable controversy both within the region and internationally. Critics have condemned the operations, questioning their legality under international law and the authority under which they are being conducted. While the Trump administration frames these actions as part of a legitimate “war on drug trafficking,” many experts and some members of the US Congress have accused the administration of using the campaign as a tool of intimidation aimed at destabilizing the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro, who has long been a political adversary of former President Donald Trump, has consistently denied allegations that he leads or supports drug trafficking networks. However, Trump and his administration have frequently accused Maduro of being deeply involved in narcotics trafficking. Some analysts argue that the military buildup and strikes are less about combating drugs per se and more about applying pressure to force regime change in Venezuela.
Dr. Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, told the BBC that this military escalation is likely intended to “strike fear” into the Venezuelan military and Maduro’s inner circle. Sabatini suggested that the US aims to encourage internal dissent within Venezuela’s leadership by demonstrating its military capabilities and resolve without directly invading the country. “This is about regime change,” he explained. “They’re probably not going to invade; the hope is this is about signalling.”
The Pentagon confirmed in its announcement that the USS Gerald R. Ford’s deployment falls under the US Southern Command’s area of responsibility, which includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the additional military resources would “enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organizations” (TCOs). The carrier’s presence is expected to enable the US military to conduct more extensive and sustained operations in the region, including potential strikes against land-based targets.
President Trump has previously hinted at the possibility of “land action” in Venezuela, suggesting that the US military could expand its efforts beyond maritime and aerial operations. “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he said earlier in the week. According to reports from CNN, Trump is considering targeting cocaine production facilities and drug trafficking routes inside Venezuela but has yet to make a final decision on such a course of action.
Before its current deployment, the USS Gerald R. Ford was last publicly tracked three days ago off the coast of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea. Its move to the Caribbean represents a major escalation of US military activity in the region and is likely to increase tensions with Venezuela, whose government has long been accused by Washington of harboring and facilitating drug traffickers.
The carrier is designed to operate as part of a strike group, often accompanied by other vessels such as destroyers equipped with missile systems and support craft. While it remains unclear which specific ships will accompany the Ford on this mission, its powerful air wing and advanced capabilities provide the US military with unprecedented operational flexibility in the region.
Since early September, the Trump administration has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting boats alleged to