Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of trying to “create a new war” after Washington sent the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean.
Maduro said on national television that the US is provoking conflict in Latin America, despite previously saying it would avoid new wars.
Why the US Sent the Carrier
The Pentagon says the carrier is being moved from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to support an anti-drug operation.
The ship can carry up to 90 aircraft and is part of the US Southern Command, which oversees military missions in Central and South America.
US officials claim the deployment will help stop drug trafficking and target criminal groups.
Recently, the US has launched several airstrikes in the region, including one that killed six people linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
Controversy Over Airstrikes
The strikes have caused major political debate in the US:
- Many lawmakers say President Donald Trump does not have the legal right to order these attacks without Congress.
- Senator Rand Paul warned that such actions need Congressional approval.
- Some legal experts say this situation is becoming a constitutional crisis.
US Government Defends Actions
Trump says he is legally allowed to do this because Tren de Aragua is labeled a terrorist organization.
US officials argue that the operations are necessary to stop drug smuggling.
Analysts Say The Move Sends a Message
Experts believe the aircraft carrier is not meant to prepare for an invasion, but to pressure Maduro and increase political stress inside Venezuela.
“This is more about warning and psychological pressure,” one analyst said.
However, critics say this strategy could increase tensions and create more instability in the region.
