"The Shadows of War Loom": Maduro Comments on "Southern Spear" Operation

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday described the new joint military exercises scheduled between the United States and its ally Trinidad and Tobago as "irresponsible," amidst what Caracas views as an escalation of the US military presence in the Caribbean.

Caracas perceives the US military activity in the Caribbean, dubbed "Operation Southern Spear," which Washington claims targets drug cartels, as merely a cover for efforts to overthrow the leftist leader Maduro.

Repeated Maneuvers and US "Provocation"

These planned maneuvers mark the second joint training exercise between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in less than a month. In October, a US destroyer equipped with guided missiles docked in Trinidad for four days for a round of exercises that Venezuela deemed a direct "provocation."

Maduro harshly criticized the government of Trinidad and Tobago's decision, stating during an event in Caracas on Saturday: "The government of Trinidad and Tobago has again announced irresponsible maneuvers, lending its waters off the coast of Sucre state for military exercises aimed at threatening a republic like Venezuela, which allows no one to threaten it."

In an attempt to mobilize public support, Maduro called on his supporters in the eastern states for a "permanent vigil and marches in the streets" during the exercises scheduled from November 16 to 21.

Intensification of US Military Presence

These developments follow the Trump Administration's launch of broad strikes and operations in the Caribbean and Pacific regions in recent weeks, targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling. The US movements included the deployment of significant air and naval capabilities, most notably the arrival of the aircraft carrier "Gerald Ford" off the region's coasts on Tuesday.

In recent weeks, Washington has launched strikes in international waters targeting around 20 boats, resulting in the deaths of at least 76 people, according to US data. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday the start of a military operation in Latin America against "terrorist drug traffickers," although it was unclear how this operation might differ from the current US military deployment.

For his part, US President Donald Trump did not directly disclose his plans regarding Venezuela but hinted that a decision had been made, saying: "I can't tell you what it is, but we've made great progress with Venezuela in terms of stopping the flow of drugs."