Trump Announces Imminent Land Operations Against Venezuelan Drug Traffickers
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The United States is preparing to expand its efforts to disrupt the flow of narcotics from venezuela, with the president announcing plans for imminent land-based operations targeting drug traffickers. This escalation follows reported success in interdicting shipments at sea and comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The president, speaking during a Thanksgiving call with military personnel, stated that armed forces “will begin very soon” to “detain” individuals involved in the drug trade.”You have probably noticed that people no longer want to deliver (drugs) by sea, and we will start to stop them by land,” he said. “Also, on land it is indeed easier, but that is going to start very soon. We warned them to stop sending poison to our country.”
Expanding Operations Beyond the Sea
The shift to land-based operations is a direct response to evolving tactics employed by those allegedly trafficking narcotics. According to the president, current military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific have already yielded meaningful results, with US forces having destroyed more than 20 boats and killed over 80 individuals purportedly linked to drug trafficking as September 1.
“In recent weeks, you have been working to stop Venezuela’s drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course,there are not many coming by sea anymore,” the president told members of the Army.He further justified the use of force, asserting that these alleged traffickers are responsible for sending “poison” to the United States, contributing to thousands of deaths annually.
The president claimed a considerable reduction in maritime drug flow, stating, “We have already stopped 85% (of the flow) by sea.”
Heightened Tensions and Diplomatic Overtures
These developments occur against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical strain between the US and Venezuela. As November 16, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, has been deployed to the Caribbean sea. Furthermore, on Monday, the administration designated the institution Cartel de los Soles, allegedly linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolás maduro, as a terrorist organization.
Demonstrations of US military strength where also visible in the Caribbean on Monday, with US B-52H bomber aircraft conducting flyovers, as revealed by the US Air Force on Wednesday.
Despite the assertive rhetoric and military posturing, the president has indicated a willingness to engage in dialog with Maduro. He stated on Tuesday that he “could talk to save many lives,” and that such a conversation would be
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation or a diplomatic resolution. The announced shift to land operations signals a significant intensification of US efforts to combat Venezuelan drug trafficking, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of these actions.
Why: The US is escalating its efforts to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela due to a perceived shift in tactics by traffickers away from sea routes. The president cited the need to stop “poison” from entering the country and contributing to deaths.
Who: The key players are the United States (specifically the president and the military), Venezuela (led by Nicolás Maduro), and alleged drug traffickers, including the organization “Cartel de los Soles.”
What: The US is planning land-based operations in Venezuela targeting drug traffickers. This follows previous successes in interdicting shipments at
