The US will deploy destroyers to combat drug cartels

Three US Navy destroyers will arrive in the southern Caribbean near the coast of Venezuela within the next day and a half.

The destroyers, which are equipped with Aegis missile systems, will be deployed to conduct operations against drug cartels.

This was reported by Reuters, citing sources in the Pentagon.

According to the agency, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson will be deployed in the region. There are also plans to deploy P-8 reconnaissance aircraft.

Reuters sources note that the group of destroyers will operate in the southern Caribbean for several months, with the ships remaining in international waters.

The units are tasked with conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions against drug cartels.

The US Navy ships will also carry out targeted strikes if necessary, the agency said.

Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that the US Department of Defense will send about 4,000 military personnel.

This will be a show of force following US President Donald Trump’s statements about his readiness to use the military to fight drug cartels.