World’s largest aircraft carrier in position as Trump weighs Venezuela strike

Washington: The United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier arrived in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday in a display of US military power, raising questions about what the new influx of troops and weaponry could signal the Trump administration’s intentions in South America as it conducts military strikes against vessels suspected of transporting drugs. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford – the world’s largest aircraft carrier – and other warships, announced by the US Navy in a statement, marks a major moment in what the administration insists is a counter-drug operation but has been seen as an escalating pressure tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. On Saturday AEDT, President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he had “sort of made up [his] mind” about whether to launch military action in Venezuela. Trump has been presented with a string of military options – including the use of special operations forces and direct action inside Venezuela – the London Telegraph reported.