The Venezuelan government has announced preparations for its armed forces in anticipation of a potential invasion or military action by the United States. Minister of People’s Power for Defence Vladimir Padrino stated that these preparations involve a significant deployment of ground, aerial, naval, riverine, and missile forces, alongside the involvement of police, militias, and civilian units.

This announcement coincides with the arrival of the U.S. aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean Sea, which has raised concerns about possible military interventions aimed at destabilizing the government of President Nicolas Maduro, a long-standing adversary of U.S. policy. Tensions have escalated since the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump in January.

The Pentagon confirmed the deployment of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes over 4,000 sailors and tactical aircraft. Additionally, the U.S. has increased troop presence in nearby regions, including Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago, for training exercises and operations. The Trump administration has characterized these military movements as necessary for disrupting drug trafficking and ensuring national security, while also accusing Maduro of orchestrating activities linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.

Despite the government's efforts to project military readiness, experts express skepticism regarding Venezuela's actual capacity to repel U.S. military advances, citing potential deficiencies in personnel and modern equipment. The Maduro administration has utilized the threat of U.S. intervention to consolidate domestic support, although it faces significant internal challenges, including widespread discontent and diplomatic isolation following a disputed election in 2024.

The military buildup in the Caribbean has been ongoing since a series of U.S. military strikes began on September 2, targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in approximately 75 fatalities. While Trump has hinted at the possibility of land strikes, he has denied any current plans for attacks within Venezuela.

Legal experts indicate that a military assault on Venezuela would likely contravene international law. Polling data from YouGov reveals that about 47 percent of Americans oppose land attacks on Venezuelan territory, while only 19 percent support such actions. Although Venezuela's armed forces have pledged loyalty to Maduro and expressed readiness to resist a U.S. attack, reports indicate that the government struggles to adequately supply its military personnel. The incorporation of paramilitary and police forces may be an attempt to compensate for the military's limitations, with plans for small units to engage in sabotage and guerrilla tactics for prolonged resistance against any potential U.S. incursion.