Venezuela Sends Warships, Drones to Coast as US Naval Squadron Approaches

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino has announced the deployment of warships and drones to patrol the Caribbean coast as tensions escalate with the United States. Washington recently dispatched warships, a submarine, and thousands of troops to the region, calling it part of an anti-drug mission. The US accuses President Nicolás Maduro and top officials of running a cocaine trafficking cartel, offering large rewards for their capture. Maduro rejects the allegations, denouncing them as regime-change efforts, and has mobilised troops and militias to bolster security. Venezuela condemned the US buildup at the UN, while analysts downplay the risk of direct invasion.