Heightened Military Presence: U.S. Forces Escalate Near Venezuela

Sat Nov 22 2025 07:39:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. bolsters its military posture near Venezuela, with significant numbers of troops, warships, and aircraft deployed amid rising tensions.

Tensions in Venezuela escalate as the U.S. ramps up its military presence in the region, deploying thousands of troops, aircraft, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. This build-up, described as the largest U.S. military presence in Latin America in decades, raises concerns over potential military action against the Venezuelan government. Recent military flights and strikes against alleged drug traffickers suggest a multifaceted operation aimed not only at narcotics trafficking but possibly indicating broader geopolitical intentions.

Several US military planes have been identified operating off the coast of Venezuela, as tensions continue to rise in the region.

The US has already deployed thousands of troops and the world's largest warship to within striking distance of the country.

This build-up is the largest US military presence in Latin America in decades and has sparked speculation about the potential for some kind of military action against Venezuela.

This comes after a series of US airstrikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific in recent months, which the Trump administration says are necessary to stem the flow of drugs.

BBC Verify has been tracking the warships and planes involved in the military build-up so far.

The build-up in the Caribbean began in August with the deployment of air and naval forces, including a nuclear-powered submarine and spy planes.

It now includes a range of aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and amphibious assault ships capable of landing thousands of troops.

BBC Verify has confirmed the locations of six warships in the region this month by cross-referencing ship-tracking data and satellite imagery.

This includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, described by the US Navy as the most capable, adaptable, and lethal combat platform in the world.

It travels in a strike group with other supporting vessels, measuring more than 330 metres (1,100 feet) in length.

BBC Verify has identified several other vessels in the Caribbean Sea - including a guided missile destroyer, a transport dock, a guided missile cruiser, and an amphibious assault ship.

In addition, a US Special Operations Command mothership has been located, capable of supporting up to 200 troops and multiple helicopters.

The US has also deployed F-35 fighter jets to its bases in the Caribbean, and has flown bombers and spy planes over the region.

Details about recent flights show various military aircraft in proximity to Venezuela, with a B-52 bomber and surveillance aircraft conducting missions nearby.

Concerns are mounting that the US is preparing for direct action against Venezuela or seeking regime change due to the unusual scale of military assets being mobilized.

As statements from US officials emphasize the need to counter drug trafficking, critics warn that these military actions may violate international norms and could lead to significant escalation in the region.