The U.S. has deployed over 16,000 troops, eight warships, and a nuclear-powered submarine near Venezuela, sparking fears of a full-scale war. According to The Washington Post, the massive build-up—featuring the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group and F-35 jets in Puerto Rico—signals a possible escalation beyond counter-narcotics missions. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of fabricating a pretext for invasion, while U.S. officials cite “narco-terrorism” links. CIA sources reportedly confirm lethal covert authorizations under Trump’s directive, despite his denial of imminent attacks.