Is the military buildup level rather proportionate to Washington's goal of fighting drugs? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Operation Southern Spear: A US military operation in the Caribbean.
• Roosevelt Roads Naval Base: A reactivated US naval base in Puerto Rico.
• F-35 Fighter Jets: Advanced combat aircraft deployed by the US.
• USS Gerald Ford: The world's largest aircraft carrier.
• Cartel de los Soles: An alleged drug trafficking organization in Venezuela.
• Regime Change: The removal of a government and its replacement with another.

US Military Buildup and Pressure on Venezuela

The Trump administration is intensifying its pressure on Venezuela, with accusations that President Nicolás Maduro's regime is involved in drug trafficking to the US. This has led to a significant US military deployment in the region.

Military Assets and Deployments

• Troop Presence: 15,000 US soldiers are stationed in the region.
• Naval Vessels: 15 US naval vessels are positioned off the Venezuelan coast.
• Aircraft Carrier: The USS Gerald Ford, the US's largest aircraft carrier capable of carrying up to 90 planes, is among the deployed naval assets.
• Roosevelt Roads Naval Base: The long-abandoned Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico is being reactivated. Upgrades to the base, including taxiways, tents, communication gear, and a mobile air traffic control tower, indicate preparations for sustained operations that could support a potential confrontation with Venezuela.
• Air Assets: Dozens of F-35 fighter jets are operating daily from naval bases in Puerto Rico, including Roosevelt Roads.

Local Impact and Perceptions in Saba, Puerto Rico

The military buildup has palpable effects in towns like Saba, Puerto Rico, where the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base is located.

• Economic Benefits: Residents acknowledge the advantages brought by the base, particularly the jobs it creates. One resident stated, "This base brought a lot of advantages. We want the military movement because they're here to defend us."
• Concerns and Reassurance: While the arrival of military assets, especially the F-35 jets, has raised concerns among some residents, particularly regarding their specific missions, the mayor of Saba expressed reassurance. He noted that Puerto Rico, as a US territory, is already in the spotlight, and the military presence "puts us at ease because US technology is very advanced."
• Generational Differences: Older generations recall the base's active past, while younger residents are accustomed to the noise of the F-35s.
• Broader Concerns: Beyond the immediate military presence, many residents are concerned about the implications of a military escalation with Venezuela and how it might affect Puerto Rico's relations with other Latin American countries.

US Justification vs. Criticisms

The Pentagon officially states that Operation Southern Spear aims to combat drug trafficking in the region. However, critics argue that the true objective is regime change in Venezuela.

• Pentagon's Stance: The US claims the increased military presence is solely about battling regional drug cartels.
• Criticisms: Critics, including those interviewed, question the proportionality of the military buildup if the sole goal is drug interdiction. Many suspect Washington's ultimate aim is regime change in Caracas.

Diplomatic Overtures and Lingering Uncertainty

Despite the military posturing, there have been recent indications of potential diplomatic engagement.

• President Trump's Stance: President Trump has recently expressed willingness for dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
• Maduro's Position: Maduro has accused the US of inciting war and being interested in Venezuela's oil reserves. He has also expressed openness to talking with White House officials.
• Uncertainty: The exact nature and level of any potential talks remain unclear, and the uncertainty over a potential military confrontation persists.

Designation of "Cartel de los Soles"

The US State Department has indicated that the "Cartel de los Soles," which they allege Nicolás Maduro orchestrates, will be designated as a terrorist organization. This designation would effectively label Maduro himself as a terrorist in the eyes of the US.

Conclusion

The US is employing a multi-pronged strategy against Venezuela, combining significant military deployments and pressure with potential diplomatic overtures. The reactivation of Roosevelt Roads Naval Base and the deployment of advanced military assets like the USS Gerald Ford and F-35 jets underscore the seriousness of the US stance. While the stated goal is combating drug trafficking, many observers and some residents of Puerto Rico suspect a broader agenda of regime change. The situation remains tense, with lingering uncertainty about whether diplomacy or military action will ultimately prevail.