US President Donald Trump deployed three US warships near Venezuela on Wednesday. According to officials, the mission aims to block drug trafficking routes. The warships are Aegis-class guided missile destroyers. In fact, they are already moving toward Venezuelan waters, a US source told AFP. Meanwhile, US media reported that Washington may also send 4,000 Marines to the region.

Washington Increases Pressure on Maduro

At the same time, Trump has stepped up his pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Earlier this month, Washington doubled its bounty on him to $50 million.

The US refuses to recognize Maduro’s last two election victories. Instead, it accuses him of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a powerful cocaine trafficking group.

Furthermore, the Treasury Department labeled the group a terrorist organization last month. Officials said it supports the Tren de Aragua and Sinaloa cartels, which were already on the US terrorist list.

White House Defends Move

When asked about the plan, the White House said Trump would use all available tools to stop drug smuggling.

“President Trump has been very clear and consistent, he’s prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

In addition, Leavitt described Maduro’s government as a “narco-terror cartel.”

“And Maduro, it is the view of this administration, is not a legitimate president, he is a fugitive head of this cartel who has been indicted in the United States for trafficking drugs into this country,” she added.

Maduro Hits Back

In response, Maduro announced on Monday that he will deploy 4.5 million militia members across Venezuela. He said the move is necessary to counter US “threats.”