The U.S. military is escalating its presence in Latin America by deploying the **USS Gerald R. Ford** aircraft carrier to the waters off South America. This decision, announced by the Pentagon on **March 15, 2024**, is part of a broader effort to enhance the U.S. capacity to combat illicit activities that threaten national security. **Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth** stated that this deployment aims to support U.S. Southern Command in “detecting, monitoring, and disrupting illicit actors” in the region.
The USS Ford, accompanied by a strike group of five destroyers, is currently stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. Reports indicate that some of these destroyers are operating in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. As of the announcement, the USS Ford was docked in Croatia, with the timeline for its arrival in South America yet to be confirmed.
The deployment marks a significant increase in military power in a region that has already witnessed a heightened U.S. military buildup, particularly around the Caribbean Sea and near Venezuela. Just hours before the Pentagon’s announcement, Hegseth noted that U.S. forces had conducted their tenth strike against a suspected drug-running vessel, leading to the deaths of six individuals. Since the strikes began in early September, at least **43 fatalities** have been reported.
Targeting Drug Traffickers and Criminal Organizations
The recent military actions have focused on the **Tren de Aragua** gang, which the Trump administration has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. These operations are aimed at addressing the escalating violence and drug trafficking linked to this group, which originated in a Venezuelan prison. Hegseth stated that the latest strike involved a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua, further illustrating the administration’s commitment to targeting drug-related crime.
The strikes have intensified in frequency, shifting from occasional operations to three in just one week. This surge includes recent attacks in the eastern Pacific Ocean, a critical route for cocaine smuggling from the world’s largest producers. A video shared on social media captured one such strike, showing a projectile descending onto a vessel, resulting in an explosion.
Hegseth emphasized the seriousness of these military operations, stating, “If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda.” His remarks indicate a strategic alignment of anti-drug efforts with counter-terrorism tactics, suggesting a broader military engagement in the region.
Political Repercussions and Responses
The heightened military activity has raised concerns about the U.S. government’s intentions. Speculation abounds that these actions may be aimed at destabilizing the government of **Nicolás Maduro**, who faces U.S. charges of narcoterrorism. In response to the U.S. military presence, Maduro has praised local security forces and civilian militias for conducting defense exercises along Venezuela’s extensive coastline. He asserted that the country is prepared to defend its territory against potential U.S. aggression.
Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst with the **International Crisis Group**, noted that while drug trafficking is cited as the primary reason for U.S. military operations, the underlying message is one of geopolitical alignment. “Drugs are the excuse,” Dickinson remarked, highlighting that the U.S. aims to pursue objectives that align with its interests in the region.
Additionally, Hegseth’s framing of the anti-drug campaign as a war akin to the fight against terrorism has drawn attention. **President Donald Trump** has classified drug cartels as unlawful combatants, suggesting a shift in how the U.S. engages with these organizations. When asked whether he would seek a formal declaration of war against the cartels, Trump stated that the focus would remain on targeted military actions to neutralize threats.
This approach has sparked debate in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concern over military actions conducted without explicit Congressional authorization. **Senator Andy Kim** (D-N.J.) remarked on the unprecedented nature of these operations and their potential implications for U.S. military involvement in the region. Conversely, **Representative Mario Diaz-Balart** (R-Fla.) supported the strategy, emphasizing the need for decisive action against drug cartels.
As the situation develops, the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and the ongoing military operations signal a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Latin America, raising questions about the long-term objectives and potential consequences for regional stability.