The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has announced a massive mobilisation of its armed forces in preparation for any potential military attack or invasion by the United States.
Minister of People’s Power for Defence, General Vladimir Padrino López, stated on Tuesday that the operation would involve the “extensive deployment of ground, aerial, naval, riverine and missile forces,” alongside the active participation of police, militias, and civilian defence units.
The announcement follows the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, in Caribbean waters. The vessel is accompanied by a full strike group and over 4,000 US sailors, raising speculation of a possible military confrontation between the two nations.
According to the US Department of Defense, the deployment aims to strengthen regional security and counter narcotics trafficking. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the move as an “imperialist provocation” intended to destabilise his government.
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have been mounting since the return of President Donald Trump for a second term in office. Recent US troop movements in Puerto Rico, Panama, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago have added to regional unease, with Venezuela viewing them as precursors to a broader military campaign.
Despite its defiant rhetoric, analysts believe Venezuela faces serious challenges in sustaining an effective military response due to shortages of equipment, logistical constraints, and economic hardships. Reports also suggest that Caracas is preparing smaller tactical units across the country to engage in guerrilla-style resistance should a US incursion occur.
The US has recently conducted a series of air strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, reportedly resulting in dozens of casualties. While President Trump has hinted that ground operations “may be next,” he has denied plans to directly attack Venezuela.
Minister Padrino, in his national broadcast, assured Venezuelans that the nation’s sovereignty remains protected and that “every inch of the homeland will be defended.” President Maduro echoed this sentiment, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and united, describing the US actions as “the gravest threat to Latin America in a century.”
Although the prospect of an immediate invasion remains uncertain, observers warn that the current buildup significantly heightens the risk of miscalculation, potentially sparking a larger regional crisis.