Three United States warships have been ordered to deploy off Venezuela with possible arrival by the weekend to curb drug trafficking by Latin American crime cartels. The deployment coincides with increased US pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, including a doubled $50 million reward tied to alleged cocaine-related offences. An amphibious squadron of three Aegis-class guided-missile destroyers—the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale—is moving toward the Venezuelan coast carrying about 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines. US sources declined to detail the specific mission, stating recent deployments target threats from specially designated narco-terrorist organisations. Maduro announced plans to mobilise millions of militia members in response.
Three United States warships ordered to deploy off the coast of Venezuela by US President Donald Trump could arrive by the weekend, according to reports, as Washington sends its military to curb drug trafficking by Latin American crime cartels. The reported deployment of the warships comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after recently doubling a reward for his arrest to $50m on what the US claims are drug offences linked to cocaine trafficking.
Sources told the Reuters and AFP news agencies on Wednesday that an amphibious squadron consisting of three US Aegis-class guided missile destroyers is heading to the waters off Venezuela and could arrive as early as Sunday. Two sources briefed on the deployment, and speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale are moving towards the Venezuelan coast and are carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines.
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