At a recent meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in New York, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil raised alarms over increased US military activity in the Caribbean. He warned that this deployment could undermine the region’s longstanding status as a “zone of peace”.
Gil posed a rhetorical question: “Who could imagine that an attack on our country would not affect its neighbors or the regional economy?” His remarks underscore growing concerns that US operations near Venezuelan waters could have ripple effects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Emphasizing that Venezuela has no direct dispute with the United States, Gil criticized what he called “an attempted military aggression promoted by political elements” in Washington. He also dismissed US accusations linking the Venezuelan government to drug trafficking as “a great lie”.
In response to these perceived threats, President Nicolas Maduro has ordered deterrent measures “to prevent this conflict from escalating,” Gil said. The minister called for diplomatic dialogue and regional cooperation to defuse tensions and safeguard stability.
As young global citizens, business leaders, and travelers keep an eye on shifting geopolitics, this warning from Caracas highlights the delicate balance between security, sovereignty, and regional peace. With economic ties and cultural exchanges spanning the Caribbean basin, any escalation could disrupt not only politics but also trade, tourism, and everyday life.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on diplomatic channels: can Latin American and Caribbean governments work together to reaffirm their “zone of peace” and address underlying security concerns without resorting to military posturing?
- What role can CELAC play in mediating regional tensions?
- How might US-Caribbean relations evolve if military deployments continue?
- Will preventive measures by Venezuela be enough to deter escalation?
Stay tuned as we track developments and gather insights from across the Americas.
Reference(s):
Venezuelan FM warns U.S. military buildup threatens regional peace
cgtn.com
