The United States has deployed three Navy destroyers to the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela, in an operation that, according to Washington, aims to combat drug cartels classified as terrorist organizations.
The deployed vessels, the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson, belong to the Arleigh Burke class, equipped with the Aegis combat system, capable of tracking over 100 targets within a range of more than 190 km. The destroyers can launch long-range Tomahawk missiles, strike aircraft, submarines, and land targets, as well as operate MH-60 Seahawk helicopters and drones. These ships are also equipped with protection systems against chemical, biological, nuclear weapons, and even electromagnetic pulses.
The military escalation coincides with increased political pressure on Maduro. Recently, the U.S. announced a reward of up to \$50 million for information leading to the capture of the Venezuelan leader, an amount higher than what was offered for Osama bin Laden after September 11. In response, Maduro stated he would activate a special plan to mobilize over 4.5 million militiamen to defend national territory, heightening tensions between Caracas and Washington.
Source: G1 | Photo: X @defense\_civil25 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
New details on U.S. Navy deployments to Southern Command 🇺🇸
– 3 destroyers will reportedly arrive off the coast of Venezuela within 24 hours (USS Gravely + USS Jason Dunham left Mayport last week, USS Sampson is near the Panama Canal)
– Littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-St.… pic.twitter.com/9JOlNSx3Bk— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) August 19, 2025
