Strikes against Venezuela may begin before the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is fully on station, according to a report from the Miami Herald. Sufficient strike and support assets, including long-range B-52 and B-1B platforms, are already in the theater to conduct initial missions without the carrier.
The planned opening actions will focus on electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) against Venezuelan air-defense nodes, and robust combat air patrols (CAP) to contest Venezuelan air responses. Additionally, maritime and air strikes are expected to target ports, airstrips, and other military facilities identified as cartel logistics nodes.
Once the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrives, the air campaign could be expanded. Regional U.S. Marine Corps elements and special operations forces present in the theater may also be tasked with conducting limited ground raids in support of the broader campaign.
For more on related coverage, see recent developments regarding regional military readiness.
Additionally, earlier reports indicated that a Boeing 777 likely belonging to the Venezuelan government landed in Puerto Rico, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. For further details, refer to previous reports.
