The group is led by the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is heading to the areas of responsibility of the U.S. Southern Command. Currently, the aircraft carrier and three accompanying destroyers remain in the Mediterranean Sea, and their transit to the Caribbean Sea will take about a week.
Parnell emphasized that the increase in military presence will allow the U.S. to "detect, track, and prevent actions that threaten the security and prosperity of the country, as well as stability in the region."
Since the deployment of the group, the number of U.S. forces in the Caribbean basin will nearly double, as there are currently eight surface ships and a nuclear submarine in the operational area with approximately 6,000 military personnel. The arrival of the Ford aircraft carrier and its escorts will add another 4,500 to 5,000 new forces.
According to the network, this move is intended to show drug cartels that the U.S. is ready to rapidly increase its military presence. Since the beginning of September, U.S. forces have conducted ten operations against drug-laden vessels, resulting in the destruction of 43 individuals. Of these, eight attacks occurred in the Caribbean region, and two in the eastern Pacific.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump stated his intention to strengthen the fight against drug cartels, noting that Congressional approval is not required for these operations. Last week, he announced the destruction of a large drug-laden submarine heading towards the U.S. shores and released a video of the event.
