The United States Navy’s cutting-edge aircraft carrier made its way into the Caribbean Sea on Sunday, showcasing American military prowess. This move has sparked speculation regarding the Trump administration’s strategic goals in South America, as it continues its military operations against vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, along with additional naval ships, heralds a significant phase in what the U.S. describes as a counter-narcotics initiative. However, many perceive it as a tactic to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to a Navy statement.

Since the beginning of September, U.S. operations have resulted in the deaths of over 80 individuals, following 20 strikes on small boats accused of drug smuggling in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has explicitly stated that his country does not acknowledge Maduro, who has been accused of election fraud, as the rightful leader of Venezuela. Rubio has labeled the Venezuelan government as a “transshipment organization” that facilitates drug trafficking.

Facing narcoterrorism charges in the U.S., Maduro claims that the American government is concocting a war against him. He took to Facebook on Sunday to declare that the Venezuelan people are prepared to defend their nation against any “criminal aggression.”

President Trump has defended the assaults on drug boats by asserting that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, further alleging that these boats are operated by international terrorist groups.