BLACK mobile logo

united states

Venezuela's Maduro says US 'fabricating war' as it deploys world's largest warship

October 25, 2025

President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has accused the United States of "fabricating a new war" after the US deployed its largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Caribbean. The carrier, which can hold up to 90 aircraft, represents a significant increase in US military presence in the region where the US has already conducted 10 air strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels. The deployment comes amid tensions following Venezuela's contested 2024 election, which many nations including the US deemed neither free nor fair.

Who is affected

  • Venezuelan government and leadership under President Nicolás Maduro
  • Alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean region
  • At least 43 people who have been killed in US strikes
  • Members of Tren de Aragua (a transnational criminal organization based in Venezuela)
  • Venezuelan military and Maduro's inner circle who may feel pressured by US actions

What action is being taken

  • The US is deploying the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier to the Caribbean
  • The US is conducting air strikes against vessels in the region as part of anti-drug trafficking operations
  • The US is bolstering its air presence across Puerto Rico
  • US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is announcing operations targeting alleged narco-terrorists
  • Members of US Congress are raising concerns about the legality of the strikes

Why it matters

  • The deployment represents a massive increase in US firepower in the region
  • The actions may be aimed at removing Maduro from power rather than just fighting drugs
  • Venezuela's last election in 2024 was widely dismissed as neither free nor fair
  • The US strikes have drawn condemnation in the region
  • Military analysts note that intercepting drugs at sea doesn't require a force as large as the current US deployment
  • Constitutional questions have emerged about the president's authority to order such strikes without congressional approval

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC