The build-up of US naval forces in the Caribbean, boosted by the recent arrival near Latin America of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier , has raised speculation that both the US and Venezuela may be preparing for a larger conflict.

While the US has characterized the build-up as aimed at combating drug trafficking, some experts have questioned why so much firepower is needed if the sole aim is targeting drug boats – noting that the ship’s arrival marks the largest US military presence in the region since the invasion of Panama in 1989.

In addition to the aircraft carrier itself – described as the US Navy’s “ most lethal combat platform ” – the US has amassed roughly 15,000 personnel in the region alongside more than a dozen warships – including a cruiser, destroyers, an air and

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