SAEDNEWS: The United States moved additional troops and special operations aircraft to the Caribbean this week, according to media reports.
The United States has moved additional troops and special-operations aircraft to the Caribbean this week, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing unnamed US administration officials and flight-tracking data.
According to the WSJ, at least ten Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft used in special operations, along with a C-17 heavy military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 100 personnel, have been deployed to the region. Officials told the newspaper that the aircraft transported troops and military equipment, but did not provide further details.
Washington has accused Caracas of failing to adequately combat drug smuggling. On this basis, the United States has reportedly deployed a naval strike group to the Caribbean led by the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford, supported by a nuclear-powered submarine and more than 16,000 troops.
Since September, the US says it has destroyed at least 20 vessels and killed more than 80 people allegedly involved in drug trafficking operations linked to Venezuela.
