Why a Giant Aircraft Carrier Might Not Solve Venezuela's Crime Problem

A Massive Warship, A Complex Mission

The USS Gerald Ford, the most expensive warship ever built at $13 billion, has been deployed to the Caribbean. This move is part of a broader U.S. military strategy aimed at combating organized crime in Venezuela.

But will it work?

The Accusations and Denials

The U.S. has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of collaborating with Tren de Aragua, a notorious crime syndicate. The allegations include drug trafficking, but Maduro denies any involvement.

Even a secret intelligence report suggests there is no concrete evidence of this alliance.

Is an Aircraft Carrier the Right Tool?

Aircraft carriers are formidable in large-scale combat, but they are not ideal for counter-narcotics operations. They struggle with spotting and intercepting drug smugglers and are vulnerable to asymmetric threats like drones and cyberattacks.

Who is Tren de Aragua?

Tren de Aragua is a powerful crime group that originated in a Venezuelan prison. It has since expanded across South America, but it is not the largest drug cartel. Instead, it specializes in human trafficking and is less influential than major Mexican or Colombian cartels.

Previous U.S. Actions and Their Impact

The U.S. has already attacked suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. However, evidence of drug trafficking remains scant, and these operations have resulted in 43 deaths.

Is Military Force the Solution?

Perhaps not. Combating organized crime requires more than military power. It involves targeting financial backers, political enablers, and addressing root causes like poverty, lack of education, and healthcare shortages.