【1月21日】看軍聞學英語

■林國賓

原文：

Satellite imagery shows at least eight US military vessels have been operating in the Caribbean in December, as tensions between the US and Venezuela escalate.

It follows a series of US air strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific in recent months, which the Trump administration says are necessary to stem the flow of drugs.

The build-up involves thousands of troops and the world's largest warship being positioned within striking distance of Venezuela, and has sparked speculation about the potential for some kind of military action.

The build-up in the Caribbean began in August with the deployment of air and naval forces, including a nuclear-powered submarine and spy planes, according to US officials.

It now includes a range of aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and amphibious assault ships capable of landing thousands of troops.

Analysis of satellite images and ship tracking websites has made it possible to identify at least eight military vessels in the region over recent weeks.

中譯：

衛星影像顯示，在美國與委內瑞拉之間緊張局勢持續升高之際，12月至少有8艘美軍艦艇在加勒比海地區活動。

此舉發生在美國近月於加勒比海及東太平洋對運毒船隻發動一連串空襲之後；川普政府當時表示，這是為遏止毒品流入所必須採取的措施。

這波軍力集結數千名官兵，並將全球最大的軍艦部署在可對委內瑞拉發動攻擊的距離內，引發有關美方可能採取某種軍事行動的揣測。

根據美國官員說法，加勒比海的軍力集結始於8月，當時美方部署了空軍與海軍兵力，包括1艘核子動力潛艦及多架偵察機。

目前該地區的美軍編成已涵蓋航空母艦、飛彈驅逐艦，以及可載運並登陸數千名兵力的兩棲突擊艦。

透過對衛星影像與船舶追蹤網站的分析，已能確認近幾週至少有8艘美國軍事艦艇在該區域活動。

- 關鍵軍語 -

※build-up：集結

※amphibious assault ship：兩棲突擊艦

（取自DVIDS網站）