Venezuela on Wartime Alert Amid Escalating Tensions with US Military Presence in Caribbean

Venezuela Declares Wartime Alert

Venezuela has activated a full wartime alert for its military forces, a measure initiated in response to the substantial deployment of approximately 10,000 US troops in the Caribbean region. This heightened state of readiness, in effect since August 2025, was formalized by President Nicolás Maduro's declaration of a state of external emergency on September 30, 2025. The move underscores a significant escalation in tensions between Caracas and Washington.

Defensive Posturing and Russian Armaments

In preparation for potential conflict, Venezuela has showcased its military capabilities, heavily reliant on Russian-supplied armaments. These include advanced air defense systems and anti-ship missiles. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has overseen military exercises, such as 'Caribe Soberano 200' and 'Independence Plan 200', which have involved:

• Russian air defense systems: Including S-300VM, Buk-M2E, S-125 Pechora-2M, and Igla-S surface-to-air missile systems. These mobile systems are positioned to protect strategic assets and coastal areas.
• Anti-ship missiles: Russian Kh-31 'Krypton' anti-ship missiles, primarily deployed on Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jets. Additionally, Venezuela acquired Iranian CM-90 anti-ship missiles in April 2024.
• Troop deployments: Over 2,500 troops were mobilized for exercises on La Orchila island, and President Maduro claims a Bolivarian Militia of 4.5 million members is ready to support the armed forces.

These maneuvers are described by Venezuelan officials as defensive measures against perceived US aggression and a demonstration of the country's capacity to contest naval forces in its near seas.

US Military Buildup in the Caribbean

The United States has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean, with approximately 10,000 troops stationed across the region. The majority of these forces, around 5,500, are based in Puerto Rico, with others on St. Croix and aboard amphibious ships. The US deployment includes a formidable array of naval and air assets:

• Naval assets: Eight surface warships, including destroyers, the cruiser USS Lake Erie, and the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, along with a nuclear-powered submarine.
• Air assets: B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducting flights off Venezuela's coast, F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters forward-deployed to Puerto Rico, and MQ-9 Reaper drones.
• Special operations: Helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment have been observed operating near Trinidad and Tobago, within striking distance of Venezuela's shoreline.

The Trump administration has stated that these deployments are part of broader counter-narcotics operations aimed at interdicting alleged drug-trafficking routes and targeting 'non-State terrorist' drug cartels. US forces have reportedly struck several vessels, leading to fatalities.

Diplomatic Fallout and Accusations

Venezuela views the US military buildup and operations as a direct threat to its sovereignty and a pretext for intervention and regime change. President Maduro has warned that he would declare a 'republic in arms' if Venezuela were attacked. Caracas has also engaged in diplomatic efforts, with its permanent representative to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, alerting the UN Security Council to an 'imminent threat of military aggression' from the United States. Venezuela has sought support from allies like Russia and China, with Russian military advisers reportedly assisting in training and equipment maintenance.