On Tuesday, Dec. 23, The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has dispatched additional aircraft and troops from its New Mexico base to the Caribbean, marking a heightened military posture.
U.S. Deploys Additional Forces to the Caribbean
Wall Street Journal reported that the United States has moved further equipment and troops from its New Mexico base toward the Caribbean. The deployment included at least ten CV‑22 Osprey tilt‑rotor aircraft used by special‑operations forces, and C‑17 cargo planes have been sighted in Puerto Rico carrying soldiers and military equipment.
Response from U.S. Southern Command
The commander of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for operations in the Caribbean, South America and Central America, said the transfer follows the standard practice of routine rotation of equipment and personnel to any military facility.
Oil Tanker Blockade in Venezuelan Waters
Washington announced a complete blockade of tankers moving to and from Venezuela. In recent weeks, the U.S. seized and took control of three tankers, the most recent being the Bella 1, a Panamanian‑flagged vessel that denied entry to Coast Guard personnel on Dec 20 under President Trump’s blockade order.
Russia and China Condemn the U.S. Blockade
During an extraordinary UN Security Council meeting, Beijing accused Washington of illegal aggression and intimidation, and Moscow criticized the decision to block sanctioned tankers affecting Venezuelan territorial waters, warning of possible destabilization of Latin America and a dangerous precedent.
Russia Evacuates Venezuelan Diplomats
The Russian ambassador to the UN, Vasilij Nebenzia, described the blockade as a true act of aggression and an unlawful use of force, and warned Washington would face humanitarian consequences. Russian and Venezuelan officials had recent telephone talks, and Russia has begun evacuating its and Venezuela’s diplomats from the country.
