In addition to three destroyers, the United States has ordered the deployment of an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to confront threats from Latin American drug cartels. According to two sources interviewed by the Reuters agency, the vessels could reach the Venezuelan coast as early as next Sunday. The group consists of three main vessels: the USS San Antonio, USS Iowa Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale. Together, they carry about 4,500 troops, including 2,200 Marines. These vessels are designed for rapid troop deployment, armored vehicles, and equipment in hostile coastal areas, serving as mobile bases at sea.
One of the sources highlighted that the ships are part of recent mobilizations aimed at containing threats from ‘narcoterrorist organizations’ classified by the United States as a direct risk to its national security. The sources, however, declined to detail the squadron’s specific mission but emphasized that the mobilization is part of an expanded effort by Washington to combat drug trafficking. CNN reported that since last Friday, the US Navy has begun moving over 4,000 Marines and sailors to the Latin America and Caribbean region. In addition to the amphibious ships, the operation includes three destroyers equipped with cutting-edge technology: the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson. All are equipped with the Aegis combat system, capable of launching precision-guided missiles against air and maritime targets. According to information obtained by Reuters, the vessels positioned themselves near the Venezuelan coast on Wednesday morning. The order authorizing the deployment was issued by the Pentagon on August 8, providing official basis for employing military forces against Latin American drug cartels on foreign territory and corresponding territorial waters.
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