CARACAS, 26 October (H.S.): Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of fabricating a new war after the Pentagon announced on Friday the deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. The move marks a significant escalation of US military presence in a region already tense from recent American air strikes.The Pentagon stated the deployment is part of an enhanced counter-narcotics mission. This follows a series of 10 US air strikes since September on vessels alleged to be trafficking drugs, resulting in at least 43 fatalities.

President Donald Trump has publicly accused the Maduro regime of leading a drug-trafficking organization and has not ruled out land action in Venezuela. The US is among numerous nations that do not recognize Maduro’s presidency following a 2024 election widely condemned as fraudulent.

In a televised address, President Maduro condemned the US actions, stating, They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war. The deployment of the carrier, which can hold up to 90 aircraft, has fueled fears in Venezuela that the US is preparing for military intervention aimed at regime change.

Military analysts and regional experts have questioned the official US justification, noting that the scale of the deployment far exceeds what is necessary for drug interdiction. Dr. Christopher Sabatini of the Chatham House think tank suggested the military buildup is likely intended to strike fear into the Venezuelan military and Maduro’s inner circle to provoke his ouster.

The legality of the US strikes has also drawn scrutiny from members of the US Congress, who have raised constitutional concerns about the president ordering military action without congressional approval.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar