PULSE POINTS
WHAT HAPPENED: The United States has deployed the USS Iwo Jima and USS Gravely near Venezuela, intensifying its naval presence in the Caribbean, with potential strikes against the Maduro regime expected to begin in a matter of days.
WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. military, including the Pentagon, President Donald J. Trump, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).
WHEN & WHERE: The deployment follows recent U.S. airstrikes and was observed near Grenada, with vessels now stationed 124 miles from Venezuela’s La Orchila Island.
KEY QUOTE: “If I was Maduro, I’d head to Russia or China right now.” — Senator Rick Scott
IMPACT: The deployment signals Washington’s readiness for potential strikes or broader operations, escalating tensions with Venezuela.
IN FULL
The United States continues building up naval assets near Venezuela. Recent satellite images show the USS Iwo Jima—a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship—and the USS Gravely—an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight IIA) Aegis guided missile destroyer—moving into strike range of the South American narco state. The move comes as the USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group is expected to soon enter the Caribbean, significantly amplifying U.S. military capabilities in the region.
The U.S. has escalated strikes on cartel-operated drug boats, with observers now anticipating a new phase against the narco organizations and the Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. According to new reports, the U.S. military will soon begin strikes against Venezuelan military installations, which serve as operational bases for the Maduro-tied Soles drug cartel. It is believed that strikes could start in a matter of days—likely signaling the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, the largest warship ever built.
Images by the ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellites show the USS Iwo Jima and her Arleigh Burke-class destroyer escort heading westward after being spotted off the coast of Grenada over the past few days. The warships are now approximately 124 miles from Venezuela’s La Orchila Island—home to one of the country’s key airbases and radar facilities. Their approach places them within immediate operational range for amphibious or precision strike missions, intensifying pressure on Caracas as regional tensions climb.
Potential airstrikes against the Venezuelan mainland will likely come in several waves, with F-35s launched from both Puerto Rico and the USS Ford‘s flight deck. Additionally, unknown assets out of Curaçao—an island about 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela—will also likely be involved. Several U.S. military flights have been used to deploy an unknown contingent to the island in recent weeks.
At the heart of this deployment, the USS Iwo Jima carries more than 1,600 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC). Embarked with the amphibious transport docks USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale, the group brings advanced aircraft including AV-8B Harriers, AH-1Z Vipers, and MV-22 Ospreys. These assets enable amphibious assaults, precision raids, and rapid response operations across the Caribbean theater.
The U.S. military has now deployed more than 10,000 personnel across the Caribbean, with additional assets such as Carrier Air Wing 8 aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford and six Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including the Gravely, armed with Tomahawk missiles. U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) said earlier this week, “If I was Maduro, I’d head to Russia or China right now.”
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.
The post U.S. Warships Deploy Near Venezuela, Strikes Against Maduro Regime Expected Soon. appeared first on The National Pulse.
