US deploys world’s largest warship to Caribbean

New Delhi, Oct 25: Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States of engineering a new conflict following Washington’s decision to deploy the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean.

The move marks a major escalation in the US military build-up in the region. The carrier, capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, was ordered to shift from the Mediterranean to the US Southern Command’s area of responsibility, which covers Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. The Pentagon said the deployment aims to enhance operations against drug trafficking and transnational criminal organisations.

In recent weeks, the US has intensified its presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 fighter jets. It has also conducted multiple airstrikes on boats it claims were used by drug traffickers, including one linked to the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua.

The expanded operations have drawn criticism across Latin America, with analysts warning that the US campaign risks heightening tensions with Venezuela. Observers suggest the build-up could serve as a signal to pressure President Maduro’s government, long accused by Washington of involvement in narcotics trafficking. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford—whose last known position was off Croatia—underscores the sharp escalation of US military activity in the Caribbean and raises questions about the broader strategic intent behind Washington’s actions. Adding to global attention on Venezuela, the country’s opposition leader was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a development that has further focused international interest on the nation’s political turmoil and its uncertain future.