Caribbean Buildup

The U.S. is ramping up its counternarcotics and counterterrorism campaign in the Caribbean. 

Since President Trump’s August executive order directing the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels, tensions have been rising with Venezuela. The U.S. killed 11 “narcoterrorists” in international Caribbean waters on Tuesday, prompting Venezuela to fly two fighter jets over a U.S. Navy destroyer. Then, on Friday, the Pentagon sent 10 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, joining an attack submarine, surveillance planes, and eight warships already in the region.

Venezuela’s President Maduro called the buildup “the greatest threat” in a century and promised to respond to armed attacks with “maximum rebellion.”

The Pentagon, which President Trump re-renamed the “Department of War” on Friday, called Maduro’s regime a “cartel” and warned him not to interfere with the DOD DOW’s counterterrorism efforts.

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The political powers of the world have different priorities than the kingdom of God. As global powers maneuver to assert dominance, the King of the Universe’s priorities are clear and unchanged.

“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 (CSB) (read full passage)