How Venezuela’s aging Soviet-era military stacks up against US forces in the Caribbean
Story by German Padinger, CNN • 14h
The buildup of US naval forces in the Caribbean, boosted by the recent arrival near Latin America of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, has raised speculation that both the United States and Venezuela may be preparing for a larger conflict.
While the US has characterized the buildup as aimed at combating drug trafficking, some experts have questioned why so much firepower is needed if the sole aim is targeting drug boats. They note that the ship’s arrival marks the largest US military presence in the region since the invasion of Panama in 1989.
In addition to the aircraft carrier itself – described as the US Navy’s “most lethal combat platform” – the US has amassed roughly 15,000 personnel in the region alongside more than a dozen warships – including a cruiser, destroyers, an air and missile defense command ship and amphibious assault vessels – and an attack submarine. It has also deployed 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, which has become a hub for the US military as part of the increased focus on the Caribbean.
That sort of firepower brings into sharp relief what experts characterize as the aging Soviet-era equipment Venezuela would be relying on if US President Donald Trump were to decide on military action inside the country.
Here’s what we know about the forces at Caracas’ disposal:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/how-venezuela-s-aging-soviet-era-military-stacks-up-against-us-forces-in-the-caribbean/ar-AA1QovHa?ocid=widgetonlockscreen&cvid=6917119512304947b576f136386b736d&ei=53
