Washington is preparing to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela, with an expected designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization on 24/11. This move, reported by Reuters on 22/11 citing four US officials, stems from the gang's alleged drug trafficking activities into the US. The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, an allegation Maduro denies.
President Trump stated last week that designating the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization would allow the US to attack targets in Venezuela. However, Trump also expressed a willingness to pursue diplomatic negotiations to achieve a diplomatic resolution.
Two US officials confirmed that the US has held discussions with Venezuela. It remains unclear if these talks will impact the timing or scale of the upcoming US operation.
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F/A-18 fighters and B-52 bombers fly over the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the western Atlantic on 13/11. Photo: US Navy |
F/A-18 fighters and B-52 bombers fly over the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the western Atlantic on 13/11. Photo: US Navy
Tensions between the US and Venezuela are escalating. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning on 21/11 regarding potential hazards when flying over Venezuela, urging airlines to exercise caution. Following this, three international airlines canceled flights originating from Venezuela.
US forces deployed near Venezuela currently include: the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, at least eight surface warships, one special operations support vessel, one attack submarine, eight F-35B stealth fighters, AC-130 gunships, transport aircraft, P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, and MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles, alongside over 15,000 troops.
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Positions of US warships (red dots) in the Caribbean Sea in November. Graphic: BBC |
Positions of US warships (red dots) in the Caribbean Sea in November. Graphic: BBC
Despite deploying a force significantly exceeding anti-drug operational requirements to the Caribbean, the US has so far focused on anti-drug operations. The US military has attacked at least 21 vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in 83 fatalities.
In September, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro described the US military buildup in the Caribbean as the "greatest threat" to Venezuela in 100 years. The Venezuelan military conducted large-scale exercises on 13/11 to respond to the perceived threat from increased US military presence in the region.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)
