Newly released images from the U.S. Department of Defense show a sweeping and direct display of American military power near Venezuela, capturing the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group maneuvering alongside Air Force B-52 bombers.

The photos—showing warships, destroyers and carrier-based aircraft operating in tight coordination—underscore a rapidly escalating U.S. presence under Operation Southern Spear as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs potential military actions targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government and its alleged role in hemispheric narcotics networks.

Newsweek has contacted the DOD and Venezuela's Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Operation Southern Spear has quickly become one of Washington's most far-reaching regional security initiatives i

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