Venezuela fears US military attack

The US is building up military arms in the Caribbean in what looks like preparation to attack Venezuela.

With much of the world focused on the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration has begun a major military build-up in the Caribbean, sending US warships and aircraft to the region while planning to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The Trump team has already placed significant pressure on the Venezuelan government by implementing harsh sanctions, encouraging Venezuelan military officers to seize power, and making military threats.

“We’re deploying additional Navy destroyers, combat ships, aircraft, and helicopters; Coast Guard cutters; and Air Force surveillance aircraft, doubling our capabilities in the region,” Trump announced at the White House on April 1.

Administration officials say they are increasing the US military presence to deter the flow of drugs into the United States. But they acknowledge being particularly focused on Maduro, whom the Justice Department indicted at the end of March on drug trafficking charges.

Maduro denies the charges, saying they are part of a politically motivated plan to undermine his leadership and overthrow the Venezuelan government.

It is no secret that the Trump Administration has been trying to overthrow the Venezuelan government. In February, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo boasted in a major address that the administration is “leading a 59 nation coalition to oust Maduro.”

Already, the Trump team has placed significant pressure on the Venezuelan government by implementing harsh sanctions, encouraging Venezuelan military officers to seize power, and making military threats. The administration has worked closely with the country’s opposition, pledging funding for various programs while portraying opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the true leader of the country.