Speaking virtually to US soldiers on 27/11 for Thanksgiving, US President Donald Trump announced upcoming 'on-land' operations to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela. He highlighted the effectiveness of recent maritime efforts, noting, "You've been working to stop many Venezuelan drug traffickers in recent weeks. Do you realize there aren't many drug traffickers going by sea anymore?"
President Trump claimed that the US military's campaign against drug boats off the coast of Venezuela had successfully "stopped about 85% of smuggling operations." He added, "Drug traffickers don't want to transport by sea anymore, and now we will start stopping them on land. The land interdiction campaign is easier and will begin soon."
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 17/11. Photo: AFP |
The precise nature of President Trump's "on-land interdiction" statement remains unclear. It could imply a potential US ground attack on Venezuela or the deployment of long-range precision strike weapons.
President Trump also accused drug traffickers of causing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in the US through these substances. He reiterated the US stance, stating, "We are warning them, 'stop sending poison to our country.'"
Venezuela has not yet issued a response to the US president's remarks.
This announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela. President Trump previously indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with his counterpart Nicolas Maduro but did not dismiss the possibility of an intervention campaign in Venezuela. Washington has increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, asserting it is in a state of war with gangs designated as terrorist organizations.
Conversely, Venezuela has accused the US of preparing an intervention plan aimed at overthrowing President Nicolas Maduro and has been conducting drills as a precautionary measure.
The preceding Caribbean sea campaign, initiated in September, has resulted in the deaths of at least 83 individuals during US-conducted "drug boat" raids.
