FT reported on the US military buildup off the coast of Venezuela

The US Navy has sent at least seven ships and a nuclear submarine with ballistic missiles to the shores of Venezuela. This was reported on August 28 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper.

"The US Navy has sent at least seven ships to the region, including three guided missile destroyers, an amphibious assault ship and a missile cruiser," the publication says.

It is specified that a nuclear high-speed attack submarine was also deployed. According to the newspaper, the US actions have led to increased tensions in relations with Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

The article notes that two warships, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Gravely, are already off the coast of Venezuela, and the missile destroyer USS Sampson is in the Pacific Ocean south of Panama. In addition, the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and two auxiliary vessels, carrying a total of more than 4,500 troops, are also heading to the region.

Most ships are equipped with Tomahawk missiles that can hit ground targets. According to the newspaper, the scale of the Navy's deployment indicates a possible "move beyond the stated fight against drug trafficking" of the US operation.

President in a million: the United States announced a reward for the arrest of Nicolas Maduro

Washington suspects the Venezuelan president of drug smuggling to the United States.

On August 19, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil Pinto accused the United States of slander and threats to the Latin American country. He stressed that Venezuela is accused of drug trafficking, but the United States is showing its weak position in this Latin American region.

Later, on August 21, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced a nationwide call for the forces of the Bolivarian National Militia, as well as reservists and those willing to sign up for volunteers due to a possible threat from the United States. It was noted that the draft will take place in the headquarters of military units, barracks and squares throughout the country. The President also called on citizens to maintain maximum unity of the army, people and militia.

The next day, Al Jazeera reported that American ships could soon reach the shores of Venezuela as part of an operation by the administration of US President Donald Trump to combat the Cartel de los Soles gang based in Venezuela, suspected of drug trafficking. The Trump administration also does not officially recognize Maduro as the head of state and has announced a reward for his capture, which may indicate a willingness to use force.

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