The US Navy has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying several warships including the USS Lake Erie and nuclear-powered submarines, amid rising tensions with Venezuela. Officially framed as an anti-drug operation, critics suggest it may be intended to exert military pressure on the Maduro regime. While the US government claims there are no invasion intentions, Venezuela perceives this buildup as a direct threat, accusing the US of interventionist motives. This situation highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, reflecting historical patterns of US involvement in Latin America and the potential for increased conflict in response to perceived threats to sovereignty.