US warships are patrolling the Caribbean coast and may use force under the pretext of combating drugs. Leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean have condemned the move, calling it a violation of regional peace and security.
On August 19, White House Press Secretary Levitt confirmed that the US had deployed three ships carrying 4,000 troops to Caribbean waters near Venezuela. On August 7, the US government alleged that Venezuelan President Maduro was suspected of funneling drugs to the US through criminal organizations and offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
In response, Venezuelan officials stated that the US was once again attempting to grossly interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs and disrupt its peace and stability. On the 19th, Venezuelan President Maduro delivered a televised address, stating that Venezuela was prepared to further thwart US aggression against the Venezuelan people.
Mexican President Sheinbaum stated on the 19th that his government opposed interventionism and called for resolving disputes through dialogue.
