Reports from multiple outlets, including Newsweek and Al Jazeera, indicate growing electronic warfare activity off Venezuela's coast amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.Maritime observers have noted intensified GPS jamming in recent days across parts of the Caribbean, particularly near Venezuelan waters. The interference, reportedly originating from Venezuelan state electronic warfare systems, potentially using Russian-supplied equipment, has raised safety concerns for both civilian and military navigation..Such disruptions, which began surfacing in early September, have coincided with a marked escalation in U.S.–Venezuelan tensions tied to disputed elections, oil reserves, and ongoing U.S. counter-narcotics operations.While the jamming highlights Venezuela's use of asymmetric defenses against a superior U.S. force, no peer-reviewed studies have yet confirmed the precise technical or regional impacts.The United States has deployed a substantial military presence to the Caribbean in recent weeks. Eight Navy vessels, including the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and several destroyers, have been stationed in the region. In addition, F-35 stealth aircraft have arrived in Puerto Rico, and a carrier strike group is reportedly en route..A new Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued Friday closed sections of airspace near Puerto Rico for "hot pit" refueling operations, allowing aircraft to refuel with engines running to enable rapid redeployment.Despite speculation of potential strikes on Venezuela, President Donald Trump dismissed the idea when questioned aboard Air Force One, stating simply, "No."Since early September, U.S. forces have launched a series of operations targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. .According to reports, at least 62 people have been killed and 14 boats destroyed, including one semi-submersible craft. Critics contend these actions amount to extrajudicial killings, even if the targets were involved in trafficking.In recent weeks, U.S. B-52 and B-1B bombers have conducted multiple flyovers near Venezuela's coast in what officials describe as "shows of force." The most recent sortie occurred Monday.The Washington Post reported that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appealed for urgent military assistance from allies, requesting missiles and aircraft repairs from Russia, and drones and GPS jammers from China and Iran. .A video circulating online shows Venezuelan troops parading in mountainous terrain, signaling preparations for national defense.Public reactions to Maduro's requests have been skeptical, with many commentators noting that Venezuela's key allies remain heavily engaged in other global conflicts, limiting their ability to provide substantial support.Analysts warn that the combination of GPS interference, U.S. military buildup, and intensifying rhetoric risks deepening instability in the Caribbean..Caracas continues to accuse Washington of plotting regime change, while U.S. officials insist their operations are focused solely on combating drug trafficking.As both sides posture for leverage, the standoff underscores the growing militarization of the region and the fragility of Caribbean security in an era of renewed great-power competition.
