The United States has stationed eight warships and 1,200 missiles in the Caribbean, officially citing anti-narcotics operations. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claims Washington is preparing to overthrow his government through military intervention.
Maduro has reinforced troops along Venezuela’s coasts and borders while urging civilians to join paramilitary groups. The U.S. has accused Maduro of running drug operations and authorized military action against narcotics trafficking. Reports suggest more ships and up to 4,000 sailors and Marines could join the deployment in coming days. Though no ground invasion has been announced, Washington has offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture on drug trafficking allegations.