A report from the British agency lacks factual basis according to official data from the U.S. Navy and operational records.
An article from Reuters published on Monday, August 18, claimed that three U.S. destroyers—the USS Gravely (DDG-107), USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), and USS Sampson (DDG-102)—were approaching Venezuelan waters in “the next 36 hours” for operations against drug cartels. However, a verification by #LaTabla with access to official U.S. Navy data and deployment reports categorically refutes this information.
🔍 Key Points of the Refutation
1. USS Sampson (DDG-102):
· Confirmed Location: Eastern Pacific (Northern Command).
· Mission: Anti-drug interdiction (last operation: August 11-12 seizing 1,500 kg of cocaine).
· Distance to Venezuela: +3,500 km.
2. USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109):
· Status: Inactive at Naval Base Mayport (Florida) since June 2025.
· Context: Returned after deployment in the Red Sea against the Houthis.
3. USS Gravely (DDG-107):
· Only active in the region: Gulf of Mexico (Northern Command), collaborating with the Coast Guard.
· Roles: Maritime surveillance and anti-drug operations (e.g., seizure of $13.5M in cocaine in March 2025).
📌 Inconsistencies in Reuters’ Report
· Anonymous sources: The dispatch cites “two sources briefed on the matter” without identification.
· Omission of public data: The U.S. Navy maintains public records of deployments, none aligned with Reuters’ claim.
· Geopolitical context: The cited vessels belong to Northern Command (NORTHCOM), not Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) that covers Venezuela.
⚓ Strategic Implications
The error by Reuters amplifies narratives of military interventionism in Venezuela, even though:
· Most amphibious capabilities (e.g., USS Iwo Jima) are still in the Eastern Caribbean, not near Venezuelan coasts.
· The official mission of the USS Gravely is policing (anti-drug), not assault or blockade.
💡 Conclusion from #LaTabla
Reuters engages in misinformation by citing unverified sources, disregarding public operational data from the U.S. Navy. This case reflects the urgency to cross-check reports with primary evidence before fueling geopolitical tensions.
🔗 Primary Sources:
· US Navy Press Office: USS Sampson
· Deployments: USS Jason Dunham
· NORTHCOM Anti-Drug Operations
Data Journalism Platform / Military Capabilities Analysis
#Venezuela #USA #Misinformation #Reuters
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