German media: World's largest aircraft carrier arrives in Latin America, Venezuela holds new military exercises
The U.S. "Ford" aircraft carrier group has arrived in the waters of Latin America. The U.S. claims that this move is aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal drug smuggling. Previously, the United States had attacked at least 19 suspected drug trafficking vessels in the waters of Latin America. The Venezuelan government accuses the United States of attempting to stage a regime change in the country through military buildup and threats, while France criticized the U.S. military actions in the Caribbean for violating international law.
The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean, announced on November 11 that the world's largest aircraft carrier, the "Gerald R. Ford" (USS Gerald R. Ford, referred to as the Ford), had entered its area of responsibility. Last month, President Trump ordered the deployment of the carrier strike group to the Caribbean. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense stated that this deployment aims to "combat drug trafficking, weaken, and ultimately dismantle transnational criminal organizations."
The "Ford" aircraft carrier carries over 4,000 sailors and is equipped with dozens of attack, reconnaissance, and support aircraft. Accompanying it are three "Arleigh Burke"-class missile destroyers with air defense, anti-submarine, and anti-ship combat capabilities.
The U.S. "War on Drugs" in the Caribbean Sea
Recently, the Trump administration has deployed a fleet consisting of eight warships, one attack nuclear submarine, and F-35 fighter jets to the Caribbean Sea under the name of "drug war." After the arrival of the "Ford" aircraft carrier strike group, the U.S. military has gathered more than 15,000 troops in the Caribbean region, the largest in decades.
Since early September, the U.S. military has attacked at least 19 suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific coast of Latin America, resulting in at least 76 deaths. However, so far, the United States has not presented any evidence proving that the attacked vessels were indeed transporting drugs.
Venezuela Accuses the United States of Attempting a Regime Change
The Venezuelan government accuses the United States of trying to stage a regime change in the country through military buildup and threats under the guise of "drug war," and expanding militarily in Latin America. In August this year, Washington announced a reward of $50 million for capturing Venezuelan President Maduro, accusing him of "sponsoring drug trafficking organizations that supply drugs to the United States." Maduro denied these allegations.
Reuters cited sources who said that the Venezuelan government is preparing for a possible U.S. attack. Due to serious shortages of military forces, the Caracas leadership obviously plans to adopt guerrilla tactics. Some old Russian-made weapons have already been transported to units across the country. The second strategy of the Venezuelan government is to create a certain degree of "anarchy." Intelligence agencies and armed pro-government supporters will incite riots in the capital Caracas, making the country unable to be controlled by foreign armies.
On the same day that the "Ford" aircraft carrier arrived in the waters around Latin America, Venezuela held a new round of military exercises. On November 11, Venezuela's Minister of Defense Lopez posted a government bulletin via social media stating that this round of exercises aims to improve the command, control, and communication capabilities of the army to cope with external threats. The exercises will last until the 12th, involving naval, land, and air units as well as the deployment of missile systems. In addition, the Venezuelan military will also activate the national integrated defense command system.
France Criticizes U.S. Military Actions in the Caribbean
In recent weeks, tensions between the United States and Venezuela's neighboring country Colombia have also escalated. Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have repeatedly exchanged sharp words publicly, and Trump also accused Petro of involvement in drug trafficking. Currently, Colombia has stopped exchanging intelligence information with the United States. President Petro announced on X this Tuesday that he had ordered all levels of intelligence agencies to "suspend communication and other contacts with U.S. security agencies." This order remains in effect as long as the U.S. missile attacks on ships in the region continue.
France criticized the U.S. military actions in the Caribbean for violating international law. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Tuesday during the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada that France is closely monitoring these military operations. Over a million French citizens live in France's overseas territories in the Caribbean. If the situation escalates, these citizens may be affected.
According to a report by CNN citing insiders, the UK has suspended intelligence sharing with the U.S. regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea to avoid being involved in potential attacks. The British government currently refuses to comment.
Trump recently denied planning a military attack on Venezuela. However, at the same time, he also said that Maduro's rule is entering its final countdown.
Sources: DW, combining Reuters and others
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848588676687881/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.