The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will arrive in the northern Caribbean this Sunday amid escalating tensions with Venezuela, according to a U.S. military official. The carrier will join 15,000 troops, including 2,000 marines aboard an amphibious assault ship.

NPR

The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, told NPR that preparations are underway for possible military action. Government officials continue to hold high-level meetings with members of Congress and foreign leaders amid ongoing military exercises.

However, it remains unclear whether President Trump will use military force against Venezuela. The United States has so far carried out 20 attacks on vessels in the region, alleging they were transporting drugs trafficked from that country. In August, the U.S. government offered a $50 million reward for the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Officials told NPR that the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford, which was withdrawn from the Mediterranean Sea, could simply be another pressure tactic on Maduro, who has put his own forces on high alert.

The increased activity comes after the high-profile resignation last month of four-star U.S. Admiral Alvin Holsey, who oversaw attacks on vessels. He left his post abruptly two years ahead of schedule. Pentagon sources told NPR they believe it was because he opposed attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, which have so far killed 80 people, and because he targeted vessels that did not appear to show any immediate hostile intent.