US Deploys Naval Armada to Caribbean as Venezuela Mobilizes Militias

The United States has deployed a powerful naval group to the Caribbean, heightening regional tension as Venezuela mobilizes militias and Mexico protests the move. US Sends Naval Strike Group for Direct Operations Over 4,000 US Marines and sailors have been dispatched to the shores of Latin America and the Caribbean. According to Reuters, three Aegis-equipped destroyers are expected to reach position by Thursday. The deployment also includes a submarine, a missile cruiser, a P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. One unnamed Pentagon officer told reporters that the deployment gives President Donald Trump a "wide range of options," including "direct impact operations" on drug cartels should he issue the order. The New York Times reported last week that Trump had secretly signed a directive authorizing military force against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations by the US.