Venezuela Announces 'Massive Deployment' to Resist Possible U.S. Attack as Carrier Strike Group Arrives

Venezuela Announces 'Massive Deployment' to Resist Possible U.S. Attack

The Venezuelan government said it is preparing its armed forces to respond in the event of an invasion or military strike by the United States. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino announced plans for a “massive deployment of ground, aerial, naval, riverine and missile forces,” and said the mobilisation would also involve police, militias and citizens’ units.

The announcement followed the arrival of the U.S. Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Caribbean Sea, a deployment that has rekindled speculation about potential U.S. action aimed at toppling President Nicolás Maduro. The carrier group reportedly brought at least 4,000 sailors and accompanying tactical aircraft.

Relations between Caracas and Washington have deteriorated since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency in January. In recent weeks Washington has also moved troops to nearby locations — including Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago — citing training, regional security and operations to “disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.” U.S. officials have accused Maduro of enabling or directing elements of the Tren de Aragua gang, which U.S. authorities say has a limited presence in the United States.

Maduro and his allies denounced U.S. actions as “imperialistic.” Analysts caution there are open questions about Venezuela’s ability to repel any substantial U.S. military campaign: the government projects readiness, but faces shortages of personnel, modern equipment and reliable supplies.

The recent buildup in the region followed a series of U.S. strikes that began on September 2. The U.S. has said it conducted at least 19 air strikes against vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, actions that the U.S. government says killed around 75 people. President Trump has suggested land strikes could come next, though he told reporters in late October he was not considering attacks inside Venezuela when asked directly.

Legal experts say a U.S. military attack on Venezuelan territory would likely violate international law. Polling by YouGov indicates U.S. public opinion is divided: roughly 47% of respondents said they would oppose land attacks on Venezuela, while about 19% said they would support such action.

While Venezuela’s armed forces have pledged to resist any U.S. attack, Reuters and other outlets report the government has struggled to provide adequate food and supplies for troops. A government memo obtained by Reuters reportedly outlines plans to deploy small units at roughly 280 locations prepared to use sabotage and guerrilla tactics to mount “prolonged resistance” in the event of an incursion — a move analysts see as an attempt to supplement the regular military with police and paramilitary forces.

Key points: Venezuela is mobilising multiple force types and auxiliary units; a U.S. carrier strike group is in the Caribbean; U.S. strikes targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels have escalated tensions; questions remain about Venezuela's capacity to sustain prolonged defence.