Growing U.S. military activity in the Caribbean has triggered alarm across Latin America, with regional leaders warning of escalating tensions that could lead to conflict with Venezuela. The developments come as Washington expands its counternarcotics operations, deploying 15,000 personnel – its largest regional military presence in decades.
Military Moves and Regional Reactions
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth secured access to restricted areas of the Dominican Republic's San Isidro Air Base this week, while Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Cane held security talks in Trinidad and Tobago. These diplomatic efforts follow joint U.S.-Trinidad military exercises near Venezuelan waters earlier this month.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab condemned recent U.S. missile strikes on suspected drug vessels, stating: "They have violated international law…the use of lethal force constitutes a violation." Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Washington of fabricating pretexts to justify "aggressive" actions aimed at controlling Venezuela's oil reserves.
Diplomatic Warnings Intensify
Organization of American States Secretary-General Albert Ramdin urged restraint this week, declaring: "We don't want any war in our hemisphere. No one wins in a war." His comments reflect regional concerns as U.S. naval forces, including the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group, patrol Caribbean waters under expanded counternarcotics mandates.
A recent CBS/YouGov poll shows 70% of Americans oppose military action against Venezuela, with 76% believing the administration hasn't adequately justified its aggressive posture. As diplomatic channels remain open, regional stability hangs in balance amid the largest Caribbean military deployment since the Cold War era.
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Latin America warns of war as U.S. expands Caribbean military presence
cgtn.com
