Arrival of the world’s largest aircraft carrier in Latin America intensifies tension between the US and Venezuela

O USS Gerald Fordthe largest aircraft carrier in the world, arrived at Latin America this Tuesday (11), expanding the military presence of USA in the region and raising tension with the Venezuela. The movement is interpreted as a direct sign of pressure on the government of Nicolas Madurowho ordered the mobilization of troops after confirming the North American operation.

The vessel is part of a fleet made up of eight warships, a nuclear submarine e F-35 aircraftintegrating a series of naval, air and land actions that the Pentagon intensified in the Caribbean and in Puerto Rico. In this same strategy, the United States reactivated a military base that had been deactivated for more than two decades, according to information released by Folha de S. Paulobased on the Reuters.

Pressure on the Venezuelan government

Since the worsening of the crisis between the two countries, the United States has carried out at least four bomber missions off the coast of Venezuela and have been attacking vessels considered suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. The attacks left at least 75 deadaccording to US authorities.

Washington accuses Maduro of leading a international drug cartelan accusation denied by the Venezuelan president. The administration Donald Trump maintains different strategic alternatives open, according to the US press. There are reports that the White House has authorized intelligence actions in Venezuelan territory as a way of putting pressure on the Caracas government.

Caracas reaction and alert from allies

The Venezuelan government classified the American military presence as “provocation” and stated that the movement constitutes a risk to the country’s sovereignty. Maduro alternated declarations of mobilization with calls for dialogue, asking Washington to “stop manufacturing a war”.

Countries allied with Venezuela expressed concern about the escalation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharovadeclared last Friday (7) that Moscow “is ready to respond to Venezuela’s calls for help” if the situation progresses to a more serious scenario. Despite this, there is no clear indication of Russian military intervention.

China and Iran have also expressed concern about the increased US military presence in waters close to Venezuela.

Growth of US military presence in the region

Sending the USS Gerald Ford is evaluated by analysts as part of a strategy deterrence. The aircraft carrier is considered the most advanced in the US fleet, capable of operating dozens of aircraft at the same time and remaining on missions far from its coast for long periods.

With the displacement of the vessel, the United States expands its military influence in the Caribbean and reaffirm their willingness to adopt stricter measures in relation to the Maduro government.

For Caracas, the arrival of the aircraft carrier represents an attempt at intimidation and reinforces the alert for the risk of an military escalation unprecedented in Latin America.