The aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford (CVN-78) is headed to Venezuela, following weeks of U.S. attacks on suspected drug-runners.
It’s the latest escalation of a military buildup around the country. Eight warships, a nuclear sub and squadron of F-35 fighters are positioned within easy striking distance, and now the world’s largest aircraft carrier will soon join them.
40 drug runners killed so far
President Donald Trump accuses Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro of allying with drug cartels to push narcotics into the United States. The U.S. government has a $50 million bounty out for his arrest.
So far, the U.S. military has carried out 10 strikes on drug vessels transporting large quantities of drugs, killing 40 people.
Maduro of course denies everything, and accuses President Trump of trying to force a regime change.
In response to one of the attacks, Maduro sent two armed F-16 fighters flying over a Navy warship in a weak attempt at a show of force.
Land attacks next?
The Ford and its 5,000 sailors should arrive in roughly a week, with a full arsenal of missiles and up to 75 aircraft.
While attacks so far have been on drug-running boats, President Trump has confirmed land attacks are next.
“The working class would rise and a general insurrectional strike would be declared in the streets until power is regained,” says Maduro if the U.S, takes him out of power. “Millions of men and women with rifles would march across the country.”
