"The fleet, which comprises 20% of the U.S. naval force deployed worldwide and includes F-35 fighter jets and some 15,000 troops, has participated in military exercises near Trinidad and Tobago in recent days. Four senior U.S. officials have separately told Reuters that the start of the second phase of the military operation is imminent, while international airlines are suspending flights over Venezuela following a recommendation from the U.S. aviation agency, issued on Friday, to avoid the area due to the risk of a military escalation."
"Senior officials in the Trump administration believe the move expands their options for military action within Venezuela. Meanwhile, tension remains high as everyone awaits the next steps in the massive U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean, especially after the arrival last week of the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford, the world's largest and most modern, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking in what has been dubbed Operation Southern Spear."
The United States designated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and senior officials as members of a foreign terrorist organization linked to the Cartel of the Suns, allowing new sanctions and targeting. U.S. officials claim Maduro leads the cartel and say the designation expands available military options. A substantial U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean includes the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford, F-35 jets, and roughly 15,000 troops, and has conducted exercises near Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. officials report a second phase of operations is imminent. Airlines suspended flights over Venezuela after a U.S. aviation agency warned of escalation risks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended talks in Geneva.
Read at english.elpais.com
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