US Special Ops Floating Base Spotted in Caribbean Waters
Satellite imagery analyzed by open-source researcher MT Anderson shows a vessel matching the U.S. MV Ocean Trader southwest of St. Kitts, a Caribbean island, amid ongoing U.S. counter-narcotics operations targeting Venezuela.
The sighting aligns with the New York Times’ Sept. 20 report detailing the quiet deployment of U.S. special operations forces in Venezuela. Experts told the outlet the move suggests strikes or commando raids inside the country may be in the works.
The Ocean Trader, operated by U.S. Special Operations Command, is a converted roll-on/roll-off ferry designed for clandestine missions. In service since 2013, the vessel can deploy helicopters, fast boats, and surveillance teams, and can accommodate up to 160 personnel. It was last spotted near Bahrain in May.
Pentagon officials have yet to confirm the deployment of the mothership and special operations forces in the Caribbean. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently said the administration is “prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice.”
The U.S. military has increased its presence near Venezuela in recent weeks after President Donald Trump signed a directive authorizing the Pentagon to use force against Latin American drug cartels designated by his administration as foreign terrorist organizations.
So far this month, U.S. airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels have killed 17 people.
Naval forces in the area now include multiple destroyers, amphibious ships, a cruiser, a littoral combat ship, and an attack submarine, together carrying a total force of about 4,500 personnel.
