The Expanding US Military Footprint in the Caribbean

Since September, the United States military has conducted at least 21 kinetic strikes against vessels suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals believed to be traffickers. These operations aim to intercept narcotics being transported northward. Reinforcing this commitment, the USS Gerald R. Ford – the world’s largest aircraft carrier – arrived in the Caribbean on November 16th, bolstering “Operation Southern Spear,” the Pentagon’s counter-narcotics initiative. Details of the operation and its objectives can be found here.

Earlier this week, Trump indicated the potential for expanded operations, suggesting that U.S. forces might soon engage in ground actions within Venezuela targeting drug trafficking routes. He lauded the effectiveness of the Air Force’s 7th Bomb Wing in deterring maritime smuggling, noting a shift in tactics by traffickers away from sea routes. “You probably noticed that people aren’t wanting to be delivering by sea, and we’ll be starting to stop them by land also,” Trump stated. “The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon. We’d warn them. Stop sending poison to our country.”

These remarks followed a three-day visit by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, to the U.S. Southern Command region, where he met with leaders in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss narcotics flows and human trafficking in the Caribbean. Currently, nearly a dozen U.S. warships and approximately 12,000 troops are deployed as part of Operation Southern Spear, representing one of the largest American military concentrations in the region in decades.

The Cartel de los Soles and Terrorist Designation

The Trump administration has consistently accused the Maduro regime of deep involvement in international narcotics trafficking and maintaining ties with criminal organizations, most notably the Cartel de los Soles. Washington recently designated this cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation effectively labels Maduro as a leader of an international cocaine-smuggling racket and a member of a terrorist group, allegations vehemently denied by the Venezuelan leader.

Venezuela’s foreign ministry has countered these accusations, alleging that the U.S. is attempting to fabricate a pretext for military intervention. In September, Maduro sent a letter to Trump dismissing the drug-trafficking allegations as “the most egregious instance of disinformation,” claiming that only a small fraction of Colombian-origin narcotics transit through Venezuelan territory. The White House responded by characterizing the letter as containing “a lot of lies.”

The aviation sector has become a focal point in the escalating tensions. Following a November 21st warning from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a “worsening security situation” in Venezuelan airspace, several international airlines suspended flights. Venezuela retaliated by revoking the operating permits of six airlines – including Avianca, GOL, LATAM Airlines Colombia, TAP, Iberia, and Turkish Airlines – accusing them of aiding “state terrorism” promoted by Washington. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Caracas to reverse these suspensions, arguing that carriers were acting to protect passenger and crew safety in a “high-risk area.” IATA’s full statement can be reviewed here.

What long-term impact will this airspace closure have on international travel and trade routes in the Caribbean? And how will the Maduro regime respond to further escalation from the United States?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Venezuelan Airspace Closure

1. What is the immediate impact of the Venezuelan airspace closure?
   The closure primarily affects airlines and pilots, forcing them to reroute flights and potentially increasing travel times and costs. It also raises concerns about the safety of overflights in the region.
2. What is Operation Southern Spear and how does it relate to the airspace closure?
   Operation Southern Spear is a large-scale U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean aimed at countering narcotics trafficking. The airspace closure is a direct escalation linked to this operation.
3. What has been Venezuela’s response to the U.S. actions?
   Venezuela has accused the U.S. of fabricating a pretext for military intervention and has retaliated by banning several international airlines.
4. What is the Cartel de los Soles and why is it significant?
   The Cartel de los Soles is a Venezuelan criminal organization allegedly linked to the Maduro regime, recently designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
5. Could this situation lead to military conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela?
   While direct military conflict is not inevitable, the escalating tensions and rhetoric increase the risk of miscalculation and unintended consequences.
6. What is the FAA’s role in this situation?
   The FAA issued a warning about the worsening security situation in Venezuelan airspace, prompting airlines to suspend flights and contributing to the current crisis.