US-Venezuela tensions rise as US warships arrive in Southern Caribbean

On Thursday, Adm. Daryl Caudle said the United States is boosting its maritime force off Venezuela, with more vessels expected next week following recent confirmations of naval deployments.Policy drivers include President Donald Trump's focus on fentanyl, aiming to counter Latin American drug cartels linked to illicit drug flows into U.S. communities.President Nicolás Maduro responded by urging Venezuelans to join a volunteer militia, while the ruling party claims membership exceeds 4.5 million despite critics calling this an overcount.Officials repudiated U.S. accusations and appealed on Tuesday, with Maduro saying over 90% of Venezuelans reject the U.S. `announcements and threats` and calling for militia enlistment, while Samuel Moncada urged António Guterres to halt `all its hostile actions and threats` and Maduro denied drug-trafficking claims.Three amphibious assault ships carrying more than 4,000 sailors and Marines are due next week, but Christopher Sabatini, research fellow at Chatham House, says it's to `make as much noise as possible`; opposition leader Maria Corina Machado adds, `The time has come for change`.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.