Venezuela deploys troops/New US attack reported

2025-10-17 14:53:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Venezuela has deployed thousands of troops near the Colombian border in response to the United States' military buildup in the Caribbean, where US media have reported a new attack on a ship suspected of transporting drugs.

The United States has sent several military ships to the Caribbean Sea and has carried out a series of deadly attacks on ships in recent weeks.

At least 27 people have been killed so far in US strikes, as the military buildup has heightened fears in Caracas that the ultimate goal is government change in Venezuela.

Venezuela has begun military exercises, including the deployment of 17,000 troops in the state of Tarica, which borders Colombia, according to Commander Michell Valladares.

As US President Donald Trump considers whether to expand US military action from sea to land, the admiral who oversaw the naval strikes has announced his resignation.

Several people aboard the ship attacked on Thursday were rescued, according to US media outlets, including CBS, CNN and NBC, which cited unidentified US officials.

The Pentagon has not provided information on the number of survivors.

On Wednesday, Trump said he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, adding that he was also considering further action against suspected drug cartels.

"We are now considering the possibility of land operations, because we have the sea under control," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

The following day, Admiral Alvin Holsey announced that he would step down as leader of US forces operating in Central and South America.

The head of US Southern Command did not give a reason for his resignation just a year after taking office.

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has condemned any attempt by Washington for "regime change" and criticized "coup d'etat orchestrated by the CIA."

Venezuela's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, has also denied a report that she had negotiated with the US to oust Maduro.

Under Maduro's leadership, the Venezuelan military this week held its largest military exercises, following another attack by the US.

The Venezuelan military has deployed troops in Tarica, where three major bridges connect the country to Colombia. The military is also stationed in the south, where the borders with Colombia and Brazil are located, as well as in several other maritime locations.

Trinidad and Tobago, which lies off the coast of Venezuela, is investigating whether two people killed in US naval strikes were its citizens, officials said earlier this week. /REL