U.S. Deploys Amphibious Squadron to Caribbean Amid Drug Cartel Threats
The United States has deployed an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to combat Latin American drug cartels, with vessels expected to arrive near Venezuela as soon as Sunday, reports 24brussels.
The deployment includes the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale, carrying approximately 4,500 personnel, comprising 2,200 Marines, according to two anonymous sources familiar with the operations.
While specific objectives for this mission remain undisclosed, previous U.S. military movements have been targeted at groups deemed “narco-terrorist organizations.” This escalation reflects Trump’s commitment to prioritizing actions against drug cartels as part of his enforcement strategy.
In February, the Trump administration designated Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, along with other criminal groups, as global terrorist organizations. This categorization is part of a broader initiative aimed at tightening immigration policies and enhancing border security against individuals associated with these entities.
The current deployment underscores Washington’s persistent classification of regional criminal networks as threats to national security. U.S. officials have yet to confirm whether further actions will follow the squadron’s arrival.
Author: MK
Source: Reuters
