The Caribbean region has witnessed a notable escalation as the US guided-missile destroyer USS Lake Erie was seen transiting the Panama Canal heading toward the Venezuelan coast, a move considered part of a growing military buildup led by Washington in Latin America.

The American newspaper “New York Post” reported that this move is part of a broader plan announced by former US President Donald Trump to deploy a naval force including several destroyers, a fast nuclear submarine, an amphibious assault ship, as well as a spy plane, along with approximately 4,500 US troops including 2,200 Marines.

Although the White House justifies this deployment as part of combating drug trafficking through the Caribbean Sea, observers note that the political messages directed at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime cannot be ignored, especially after Washington described Caracas’ government as a “terrorist cartel” and set a large reward for information leading to Maduro’s ousting.

A report in the “Financial Times” explained that the US fleet recently moved to South American waters includes at least seven warships equipped with Tomahawk missiles and advanced offensive weapons, expanding US pressure capabilities in the region and giving Washington greater flexibility if it decides to escalate.

The Associated Press noted that Venezuela reacted to the US move with considerable concern, viewing it as an attempt to exacerbate the regional situation, while simultaneously announcing the deployment of loyal militias and coastal defense equipment as a clear message that any military intervention attempt would be met with a strong response.

Although US officials have ruled out a current plan for a ground invasion, the size of forces deployed in the Caribbean and escalating statements from Washington open the door to various scenarios, especially amid ongoing tensions between the US administration and Maduro’s government. Analysts see this naval buildup as a test of power equations in Latin America and possibly a prelude to further economic and political pressure on Caracas, as the US seeks to redraw its influence map in the region.