U.S. Aims 'Three Prongs' at Venezuela: Drugs, China, and Deterrence

The U.S. has deployed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean Sea to simultaneously conduct drug interdiction, counter transnational criminal organizations, and exert military pressure. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group entered the Caribbean Sea on November 16th. U.S. Southern Command stated that 'Operation Southern Spear' aims to defend the homeland, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and counter narcotics and terrorism. The operation involves over 10 naval vessels and approximately 12,000 personnel. The USS Gerald R. Ford reportedly moved towards the Caribbean Sea on November 13th from the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by fighter squadrons and U.S. Air Force B-52 strategic bombers. This U.S. operation represents a multi-faceted response strategy towards Venezuela, encompassing the strengthening of drug enforcement, curbing China's expanding influence, and deterring potential military threats.

Specifically, drug enforcement focuses on suppressing the activities of Venezuelan drug cartels and blocking drug trafficking into the United States. The U.S. government views the negative impact of Venezuelan drug cartels on American society as a serious matter. The containment of China is interpreted as an attempt to curb China's expanding economic and military influence in Venezuela. The U.S. is wary of Venezuela falling under China's influence and seeks to maintain U.S. influence in the South American region through this.

Military deterrence aims to suppress potential military threats from Venezuela and maintain regional stability. By deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, the U.S. is increasing the level of military pressure on Venezuela. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to designate the Venezuelan criminal organization 'Cartel de los Soles' as a foreign terrorist organization on November 24th. The U.S. military has sunk 21 drug-carrying vessels in the waters near Venezuela. Several factors contribute to the U.S.'s hardline stance against Venezuela. These include the corruption, human rights abuses, and deepening economic crisis of the Nicolás Maduro regime. The U.S. demands the resignation of the Maduro regime and the democratization of Venezuela, and has consistently imposed economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

Furthermore, concerns over Venezuela's drug cartel activities and China's expanding influence also affect the U.S.'s hardline stance. Some analysts suggest that the U.S.'s current operation is aimed at Venezuela's oil resources. Venezuela possesses the world's largest oil reserves, and the U.S. seeks to secure access to Venezuela's oil resources. U.S. policy toward Venezuela may change depending on the Maduro regime's response and international public opinion. U.S. Southern Command has not released additional operational plans or details regarding 'Operation Southern Spear.'