In the final months of 2025, the Caribbean basin became the scene of an unprecedented military buildup by the United States. According to various sources, including Reuters and The New York Times, the number of American troops in the region reached 15,000, including sailors, marines, and air personnel. This is the largest deployment of US forces in the Caribbean in the last 30-35 years that is not related to humanitarian operations to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters. Officially, Washington explains these actions as part of the fight against drug trafficking, but analysts see it as part of a broader strategy to put pressure on Venezuela and counter the influence of Russia, China, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere.
The Trump administration emphasizes that the operation is aimed at curbing drug trafficking: since September, there have been 15–21 strikes on ships suspected of transporting cocaine from Venezuela (350–500 tons per year). According to the Miami Herald, these actions have “effectively blocked the Caribbean route.” However, critics, including the Quincy Institute, note that Venezuela is not the main source of fentanyl or heroin for the US — that role is played by Mexico and Colombia.
Analysts see this as increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after the controversial 2024 elections. Trump has publicly stated that “Maduro’s days are numbered” and offered him “safe passage” out of the country. There could be attacks on laboratories, cyberattacks, or psychological operations by the CIA, although a full-scale invasion (requiring 50,000–150,000 troops) is unlikely. It is also a signal to Russia (which supports Maduro), China (which invests in the region), and Iran (which cooperates with the cartels).
This troop buildup is the largest since 1989 (the invasion of Panama) or 1994 (Operation Support Democracy in Haiti, 20,000 troops). Retired Major General Barry McCaffrey called it a “whimsical strategy” that is ineffective against drugs. The US Congress is demanding authorization for war, but the bill has failed. The UK has suspended intelligence sharing due to the attacks on boats.
Experts warn that escalation could trigger a migration crisis (500,000+ refugees) and destabilize the region, where cocaine production in Colombia has reached record levels.
The build-up of US troops in the Caribbean is not just an anti-drug operation, but a strategic maneuver to reshape influence in the Western Hemisphere. From 10,000 to 15,000 military personnel in three months, this is truly the most significant deployment in a decade, surpassing crises such as Hurricane Maria in 2017 (several thousand). Trump does not rule out a ground operation, but diplomacy (Maduro’s call) remains open. The world is watching: will Washington achieve its goals without war, or will the region descend into chaos? The coming months will determine whether the Caribbean will become a zone of stability or a new hotbed of conflict.