Tensions between the United States and Venezuela are rising amid a large U.S. naval buildup in the southern Caribbean and nearby waters, which U.S. officials say is aimed at addressing threats from Latin American drug cartels.

By Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central objective of his administration, as part of a broader effort to limit migration and secure the U.S. southern border. While U.S. Coast Guard and Navy vessels regularly operate in the Southern Caribbean, this increase in deployments is significantly larger than their usual deployments in the region.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Thursday that seven U.S. warships, along with a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, were in the region or expected to be there next week.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro denounced the measures.

On Wednesday, he said Venezuela was being threatened by nuclear submarines in violation of international treaties.

It's unclear what its exact mission will be, but the Trump administration has said it can now use the military to pursue drug cartels and criminal groups and has directed the Pentagon to prepare options.

On Thursday, the White House said Trump was prepared to use every element of American power to prevent drugs from flooding our country.