The United States is sending its most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to waters near Venezuela, marking a significant show of American military power in Latin America. The move has sparked debate among experts about whether the carrier's presence is intended to pressure Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro to step down or to target drug trafficking operations in the region.

Officials in Washington claim the deployment is part of a broader campaign against organized crime and narcotics, but some analysts argue it is more likely aimed at influencing political change in Venezuela. The arrival of the carrier has heightened tensions, with Venezuela mobilizing its military and civilians in response to perceived threats.

Regional reactions have been mixed, with some countries expressing concern over the escalation, while others, like Mexico, have increased cooperation with the United States to combat drug trafficking. Despite the carrier's formidable capabilities, experts suggest that its presence alone may serve as a deterrent rather than signal imminent military action.