"It signals a major escalation of the US's military presence in the region amid speculation of an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan government. Maduro said in a national broadcast on Friday night that US President Donald Trump's administration is fabricating a new eternal war as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, which can host up to 90 aeroplanes and attack helicopters, moves closer to Venezuela."
"Trump has accused him, without providing evidence, of being the leader of the organised crime gang Tren de Aragua. They are fabricating an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal and totally fake one, Maduro added. Venezuela is a country that does not produce cocaine leaves. Tren de Aragua, which traces its roots to a Venezuelan prison, is not known for having a big role in global drug trafficking but for its involvement in contract killings, extortion and people smuggling."
"Tensions are mounting in the region, with Trump saying he has authorised CIA operations in Venezuela and that he is considering ground attacks against alleged drug cartels in the Caribbean country. Since September 2, US forces have bombed 10 boats, with eight of the attacks occurring in the Caribbean, for their role in allegedly trafficking drugs into the US. At least 43 people have died in the attacks."
Venezuela announced military exercises as the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford moves closer to its waters. President Nicolas Maduro accused the US government of fabricating a war narrative and dismissed allegations linking him to the Tren de Aragua gang. Tren de Aragua is described as stemming from a Venezuelan prison and tied to contract killings, extortion and people smuggling rather than large-scale global drug trafficking. US pressure has increased after Maduro's disputed re-election, with authorisation of CIA operations and consideration of ground actions. US strikes have targeted boats allegedly trafficking drugs, causing dozens of deaths.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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