CARACAS (AP) - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States government of escalating tensions against his administration as the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, positions itself closer to Venezuela's coastline. In a national broadcast on Friday night, Maduro claimed the Trump administration is “fabricating a new eternal war” against his government.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, capable of hosting up to 90 aircraft, including attack helicopters, is seen as a direct show of force from the United States. Maduro expressed that despite promises from U.S. leaders not to engage in further military conflicts, their current actions contradict those commitments. “They promised they would never again get involved in a war and they are fabricating a war that we will avoid,” he remarked in his broadcast.
Maduro has been under intense scrutiny from U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, who has accused him—without providing evidence—of being connected to the Tren de Aragua, an organized crime gang originating from a Venezuelan prison. This group is not primarily known for global drug trafficking, but rather for operations involving contract killings, extortion, and human smuggling.
In response to these accusations, Maduro vehemently defended his country, stating, “They are fabricating an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal and totally fake one. Venezuela is a country that does not produce cocaine leaves.” He dismissed the notion that his administration is involved in significant drug-related activities, asserting that the narrative pushed by the U.S. is both false and harmful.
Furthermore, U.S. military operations have led to the destruction of several vessels off the Venezuelan coast that were allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities. These operations reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 43 individuals, underscoring the dangerous nature of the ongoing conflict and international drug trade surrounding Venezuela.
The ongoing situation has its roots in the heightened political tensions between Venezuela and the United States, particularly following allegations of electoral fraud against Maduro during the last presidential election. Numerous countries, including the U.S., have called for his removal, reflecting international concerns regarding his administration's legitimacy and human rights abuses.
The tensions between the two nations illustrate the complexities of modern geopolitical conflict, especially in the context of drug trafficking and organized crime. As the U.S. military continues to exert pressure on Maduro's government, the potential for escalation remains a critical concern, raising questions about the stability of Venezuela and the broader implications for the region.
