United States is accused by Venezuela of engaging in an undeclared military conflict in the Caribbean

U.S. accused of secretly conducting a sea war campaign against Venezuela, with Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López claiming they attack vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 29 . 3:19 AM

2 min read

United States under suspicion for unannounced warfare in the Caribbean, as alleged by Venezuela

United States is accused by Venezuela of engaging in an undeclared military conflict in the Caribbean

In the volatile political climate of Venezuela, tensions have escalated between the South American nation and the United States over accusations of drug trafficking and the deployment of warships.

Last month, US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of warships to the Caribbean, near Venezuela, a move that has been met with strong criticism from Venezuelan officials. According to reports, these ships have been executing operations at sea without the right to defense, a claim made by Venezuelan Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino López.

The US has classified the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization, a Venezuelan cartel accused of involvement in drug trafficking. The US claimed to have attacked a "drug-carrying boat" last week, killing 11 individuals identified as "narco-terrorists" and members of the Tren de Aragua.

Venezuela, however, denies any link to drug trafficking. President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of trying to subvert Venezuelan institutions and has appealed to the population to enlist in the militia and announced a defense plan. Maduro has also deployed 25,000 members of the armed forces to the borders.

The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) has the constitutional mission to "defend and guarantee national independence". In response to the US presence, Venezuela aims to strengthen the civilian-military-police union to face threats from the United States.

Meanwhile, military officers throughout Venezuelan territory are actively combating illicit traffic of substances and armed narcoterrorist groups. The FANB has maintained a continuous increase in the operational readiness of its military power.

During military exercises Caribe Soberano 200 in Caracas, Vladimir Padrino López described the current situation as an undeclared war. The US has increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's capture to $50 million.

It is important to note that no specific information is provided about any talks between the US and Venezuela regarding "regime change". Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and has denounced the US military presence off the Venezuelan coast.

This escalation of tensions between the two nations comes as Maduro has recently created a militia, a highly politicized body originally established by late President Hugo Chávez. The creation of this militia and the US military presence in the Caribbean are likely to further strain relations between the two countries.