US Military Buildup Sparks Venezuela Caribbean Conflict

President Donald Trump's administration has intensified U.S. imperialist policies toward Latin America, particularly Venezuela, with a notable military buildup in the Caribbean, including deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. U.S. Secretary of War Peter Hegseth openly stated intentions to "reclaim our backyard," criticizing prior administrations for allowing rival powers like China to gain influence in the region. This new offensive includes trade wars, economic sanctions, political pressure, and support for extreme right-wing groups, marking a significant escalation beyond past U.S. interventions. The Trump administration’s naval operations, conducted under the pretext of counter-narcotics, have resulted in attacks on Venezuelan vessels with casualties, drawing condemnation from Venezuelan citizens who reject both foreign interference and the authoritarian Maduro regime. Historically, such U.S. actions echo earlier "gunboat diplomacy" and military interventions that undermined sovereignty and democracy throughout Latin America. The situation highlights a continuation of U.S. efforts to maintain hemispheric dominance, now challenged by regional resistance and growing geopolitical complexities.