The U.S. army has deployed considered one of its largest forces to the Caribbean in a long time, putting hundreds of Marines and the world’s most superior plane provider proper on Venezuela’s doorstep.
Operation Southern Spear Ramps Up
Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth introduced Operation Southern Spear on November 13, 2025, describing it as a mission to “take away narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere” and cease medicine killing People. The operation falls beneath U.S. Southern Command and Joint Process Pressure Southern Spear.
The united statesGerald R. Ford Provider Strike Group entered the Caribbean Sea on November 16, 2025, after crossing into the USSOUTHCOM space of duty on November 11. The Ford, the Navy’s latest supercarrier, brings F-35C stealth fighters, superior radars, and a full air wing.
The buildup contains the united statesIwo Jima Amphibious Prepared Group with the twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked. This provides greater than 2,200 Marines, MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53E helicopters, and touchdown craft. In complete, almost a dozen warships and round 12,000 sailors and Marines now function within the area.
Marines Practice in Trinidad and Tobago
On the identical time, the twenty second MEU started joint workout routines with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Pressure (TTDF) on November 16. The coaching runs by November 21 in city and rural areas, together with evening operations and helicopter actions.
The U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain acknowledged the workout routines give attention to countering transnational threats, selling regional stability, and enhancing catastrophe response. TTDF officers emphasised that the drills assist fight unlawful weapons and medicines getting into Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago sit simply seven miles from Venezuela’s coast on the closest level (Extra precisely, it might be nearer to six.9 miles).
Closest U.S. Navy Presence in Years
The Ford’s arrival marks the heaviest U.S. naval focus within the Caribbean for the reason that Chilly Conflict period. SOUTHCOM has launched movies of live-fire drills from the Iwo Jima that spotlight the Marines’ dedication to readiness.
The deployment follows months of U.S. interdictions of suspected drug-trafficking vessels in worldwide waters. The hybrid fleet, together with unmanned programs, helps persistent monitoring.
U.S. forces stay positioned throughout the southern Caribbean because the operation continues.
