U.S. Bolsters Naval Presence Off Venezuela To Combat Drug Cartel Threats

Dallas Express ^ | Jesse Oberoi

[nickcarraway]

The United States is strengthening its naval presence in the waters off Venezuela to counter threats posed by drug cartels.

More than 4,000 personnel will be deployed to the area, amid growing tension between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. government has not indicated any intention of a land incursion into the South American nation.

The news follows confirmation last week of three U.S. Aegis guided-missile destroyers being deployed to the waters. Then, more recently, Venezuela announced it would send military vessels to the Caribbean Sea and elsewhere to help combat drug trafficking.

According to the U.S. Navy’s new chief of naval operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle, the ships are being sent to support “Venezuelan operations and missions” involving drug cartels, per AP. Caudle did not specify exactly where the ships are headed.

SNIP

News of the U.S. presence in the waters off Venezuela prompted Maduro to urge Venezuelans to enlist in a volunteer military intended to support the armed forces in the event of an attack. His ruling party has long claimed the militia’s membership to be more than 4.5 million, a likely exaggerated number.

[rellic]

This is going to impact seagoing drug smuggling.

[Cobra64]

Sink ‘em.

[Waverunner]

They forgot to mention 22MEU and the Iwo Jima.

[FreedomPoster]

There’s a MEU down there? That’s interesting.

[Does so]

Americans love their illegal drugs...

[nikos1121]

This article is confusing.

[dljordan]

“They forgot to mention 22MEU and the Iwo Jima.”

You don’t send those guys unless you’re planning on going ashore.

[tlozo]

The Maduro regime in Venezuela has long maintained links to organized crime groups and drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). However, a recent hack of documents from the Colombian Prosecutor’s Office has revealed the depths of the Maduro regime’s involvement with DTOs. According to the Argentine daily Infobae, the documents allege that Venezuelan Armed Forces are crucial to trafficking drugs through Venezuela. The outlet reports that they cooperate with Colombian guerrillas and are directly involved in the process of moving drugs, as opposed to passively permitting their passage and receiving bribes

https://oe.tradoc.army.mil/product/drug-trafficking-a-prime-source-of-financing-for-venezuelas-maduro-regime/

[thegagline]

Gulf of Tonkin 2.0

[Waverunner]

I believe that's why Maduro freaked out.
He was branded a drug lord by the State department
. They were headed south when Erin sent them back to Norfolk.
So he got a heads up
.. Now they have headed back south with part of their mission being...
Special Operations Capable (SOC): The "SOC" designation means the unit is also equipped and trained to conduct special operations, enhancing its versatility. Forward-Deployed: MEUs are designed to be forward-deployed and rapidly deployable, serving as a sea-based response force. Role in the Caribbean Anti-Cartel Mission: The current deployment of the 22nd MEU with the USS Iwo Jima ARG is part of efforts to combat drug cartels in the region. Strategic Importance: This mission supports U.S. strategic goals and ensures the unimpeded flow of commerce by keeping the high seas open and free. Integrated with Navy: The MEU operates as part of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with naval vessels, working together to conduct amphibious operations and other missions