Venezuela Accuses US of Regime Change Attempt Amid Caribbean Military Buildup

Tensions have sharply escalated between Venezuela and the United States, marked by a significant U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean and a series of mutual accusations. On September 1, 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared that the United States was attempting to orchestrate a regime change in his nation through its naval deployment in the Caribbean. Maduro characterized this military presence as the most substantial threat to the continent in a century and asserted Venezuela's readiness to defend itself against any foreign aggression.

The U.S. administration stated that its naval operations in the region are intended to combat drug cartels operating in Latin America, aligning with President Donald Trump's policy to curb illicit drug trafficking and illegal migration. However, some experts have raised questions about the efficacy of this strategy, noting that the majority of cocaine is trafficked via Pacific or air routes, rather than the Atlantic where the current U.S. deployment is concentrated.

The U.S. Treasury Department, on July 25, 2025, designated the Cartel de los Soles as an international terrorist organization, alleging that the Venezuelan government supports the Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel in their illicit operations. The U.S. had previously doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million in August 2025.

In response to the increased U.S. military posture, Venezuela has mobilized its troops to its borders and called for citizens to enlist in militias and other defense units. President Maduro warned that if aggression occurred, Venezuela would declare itself in a state of "armed struggle and a republic in arms." The U.S. Navy's deployment includes multiple warships, such as destroyers and cruisers, and a nuclear-powered submarine, totaling approximately 4,500 personnel. This buildup is significantly larger than typical U.S. naval operations in the Southern Caribbean.

The complex situation is marked by reciprocal accusations and military posturing, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future trajectory of U.S.-Venezuelan relations. The international community, including countries like Cuba, China, and India, has publicly voiced support for Venezuela and condemned the U.S. deployment, viewing it as a potential threat to regional stability and sovereignty. The United Nations has also been drawn into the dispute, with Venezuela lodging a complaint regarding the U.S. naval buildup, citing violations of the UN Charter.