Troops Mobilized

Venezuela mobilized troops along its Caribbean coast while the US military commander overseeing operations in the region announced his end-of-year departure.

Context

The US has deployed significant military assets to the Caribbean, including eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets. Since early September, American forces have struck at least five boats off the Venezuelan coast that the Trump Administration says were transporting drugs, killing at least 27 people. The buildup represents the largest American military presence in the Caribbean since the 1980s.

Venezuela’s Response

Last week, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordered his military to position troops along the Caribbean coast and mobilized what he claims is a millions-strong civilian militia.

State television showed footage of militia members running obstacle courses, crawling under barbed wire, and firing rifles. The Venezuelan armed forces, which analysts say number 125,000 soldiers on paper, were shown marching in formation and moving munitions while Russian-made jet fighters flew overhead.

Commander’s Departure

Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads the US Southern Command overseeing all military operations in Central and South America, announced he would step down at the end of the year, two years ahead of schedule. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the departure last Thursday, though he didn’t provide a reason. Sources familiar with the matter told reporters there had been tension between Holsey and Hegseth over Caribbean operations.

The US military rescued two survivors from a strike on a suspected drug vessel last Thursday and is holding them aboard a Navy ship, marking what could be the first prisoners of war in Trump’s declared conflict against what he calls a "narcoterrorist" threat from Venezuela.

Growing Tensions

Maduro has accused Washington of plotting regime change and told supporters that “the people are ready for combat, ready for battle.” Venezuela’s defense minister and other top lieutenants have been shown in camouflaged fatigues preparing defenses across the country. Military analysts said Venezuela's forces have been weakened by years of poor training and low morale, with experienced officers forced into exile to ensure only Maduro loyalists remained in key positions.