Venezuela has deployed thousands of troops along its border with Colombia in response to a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, following a series of reported naval strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
According to Venezuelan military officials, 17,000 soldiers have been mobilised in Táchira State, which borders Colombia, as part of nationwide military drills ordered by President Nicolás Maduro. The deployment comes amid rising tensions between Caracas and Washington, with fears that recent U.S. operations could signal broader intervention plans.
The United States has sent several military vessels to the Caribbean Sea and carried out multiple strikes on boats in recent weeks. U.S. media outlets have reported that at least 27 people have been killed in these operations, which some international experts have described as illegal extrajudicial actions.
The most recent U.S. strike occurred on Thursday, reportedly leaving several survivors. However, the Pentagon has yet to release details about the incident or the condition of those rescued.
In a statement earlier this week, former U.S. President Donald Trump said he had authorised covert CIA operations against Venezuela and hinted that Washington was now considering extending its campaign onto land.
“We are certainly looking at land now because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump said at the White House.
The remarks have deepened fears in Caracas of a possible “regime change” attempt. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denied reports suggesting secret negotiations with U.S. officials to remove President Maduro from power, calling them “fabrications.”
Maduro, for his part, accused Washington of orchestrating “coups d’état through the CIA”, vowing that Venezuela would defend its sovereignty.
In addition to the Táchira deployment, Venezuelan troops have reportedly been stationed in Amazonas State, bordering Colombia and Brazil, as well as across key coastal areas.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago authorities confirmed they are investigating whether two citizens were among those killed in the U.S. naval strikes.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called on the United Nations to open a criminal investigation into Trump for ordering the attacks, which he said may have also claimed Colombian lives.
Washington has not provided evidence to substantiate claims that those targeted were involved in drug trafficking. Legal experts warn that such summary killings would violate international law, even if the victims were confirmed narcotics smugglers.
The situation marks a major escalation in U.S.–Venezuela tensions, raising regional concerns about military confrontation and sovereignty violations in Latin America.
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