The U.S. reinforces its power in the Caribbean: Amphibious ships join destroyers off the coast of Venezuela

The United States continues to significantly increase its military deployment in the Caribbean by adding a powerful amphibious squadron to the three guided missile destroyers that are already nearing the shores of Venezuela as part of a drug operation.

According to information published by El Nuevo Herald, the ships USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale could be stationed off the coast of Venezuela this Sunday.

These units provide the capability to rapidly deploy marines into hostile territory, significantly expanding the reach of the operation. Together, they transport approximately 4,500 military personnel, including 2,200 marines from an expeditionary unit.

The Pentagon has not made the mission public, but U.S. officials assert that it falls under the strategy of the Trump administration to confront the "narcoterrorist organizations" designated in the region.

Naval power and landing capability

The USS San Antonio, the lead ship of its class, is designed to transport troops and equipment directly to coastal areas using boats and helicopters.

The USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, functions as a small aircraft carrier capable of coordinating large-scale air and maritime operations.

For its part, the USS Fort Lauderdale, commissioned in 2022, combines stealth technology with new amphibious warfare capabilities.

These vessels are joining the destroyers USS Sampson, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Gravely, equipped with the Aegis system and long-range Tomahawk missiles.

The combination of destroyers and amphibious ships provides the United States with a power that covers not only the sea and the air, but also the capability to project ground forces if necessary.

Maduro mobilizes militias

The U.S. deployment coincides with the decision of Nicolás Maduro to activate a special plan to mobilize 4.5 million militia members across the country.

The chavista leader denounced that Washington's “extravagant threats” aim to justify an intervention and called on the base to defend “seas, skies, and lands”.

Meanwhile, the countries of ALBA, gathered at an extraordinary summit, condemned Washington's naval movement, which they described as a "violation of international law."

The presence of destroyers and amphibious ships off the coast of Venezuela heightens regional tension and once again positions the Caribbean as a stage for a strategic confrontation between Washington and Caracas.