The U.S. military has undertaken a significant deployment of approximately 15,000 troops to the Caribbean, described by President Trump as a "massive armada." This buildup occurred months before Trump claimed the U.S. had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. Southern Command stated the deployment was part of efforts to combat drug cartels, though some officials indicated a goal was to remove Maduro from power. Venezuela accused the U.S. military of conducting attacks in Caracas prior to Trump's announcement.