The U.S. has sent a sizable naval force to the Southern Caribbean and nearby waters to target Latin American drug cartels, officials said.

The U.S. military has also deployed P-8 reconnaissance planes to gather intelligence in international waters. While operations are focused on anti-drug missions, the White House emphasized readiness for broader action.

The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “I won't get ahead of the president with respect to any military action or questions about that, ever.” She added, “Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice. The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. It is a narco-terror cartel. Maduro is not a legitimate president.” Leavitt noted that many Caribbean nations have supported U.S. counterdrug efforts.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. buildup as a “massive propaganda operation” and a threat to national sovereignty. He has mobilized the Bolivarian Militia, deployed 15,000 troops to the western border with Colombia, and called for civil defense drills on Fridays and Saturdays. Maduro’s government has also deployed drones and warships along the coast.

The Trump administration has designated Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, and other criminal groups as terrorist organizations. U.S. officials said the naval buildup is larger than usual, but it does not signal plans for a direct invasion.

The U.S. stresses that its operations aim to disrupt transnational drug networks, protect the southern border, and maintain regional security, while avoiding direct military confrontation.

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