The relationship between the United States and Venezuela has sharply deteriorated in recent weeks. At least seven U.S. warships and one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine were positioned in the Caribbean near Venezuela—or expected to arrive soon—after President Trump reportedly authorized a Pentagon deployment to South America.
Officials say the deployment targets threats posed by Latin American drug cartels, but it has drawn strong opposition from Nicolás Maduro's government. On Aug. 26, Venezuela deployed warships and drones to patrol its coastline in response.
