US Warship

The United States has sent the USS Gerald R Ford to the Caribbean, sharply increasing its military presence near Venezuela. Washington says the massive carrier and accompanying forces are part of its campaign against drug traffickers in the region.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused President Donald Trump of preparing a conflict. He claims the decision is meant to threaten his government rather than fight crime.

Maduro told state media that Washington promised to stay out of overseas conflicts yet is now “fabricating a war”. His comments follow a string of US air strikes on boats said to be …