Earlier this week, the US military fired on and destroyed a boat originating from Venezuela in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 people, alleging it was carrying drugs.
On 5/9, CNN, citing sources, reported that this attack was the beginning of an effort to eradicate drug trafficking in the region. According to these sources, US President Donald Trump is considering further military options against "drug cartels operating in Venezuela", including targeted strikes within the country.
Such a scenario would represent a significant escalation of tensions between the US and the Venezuelan government. President Trump earlier this year authorized the military to conduct air strikes against drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, one source said.
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US F-16 fighter jets in Puerto Rico, 7/2024. Photo: USAF |
US F-16 fighter jets in Puerto Rico, 7/2024. Photo: USAF
The US has deployed substantial military forces to the Caribbean in recent weeks, including warships equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, an attack submarine, military aircraft, and over 4,000 sailors and marines. Two White House officials said 10 F-35 fighter jets are en route to Puerto Rico, where US Marines are conducting amphibious landing exercises.
When asked on 2/9 whether the US was considering air strikes against Venezuela, Senator Marco Rubio did not rule out the possibility. "This is a counter-narcotics operation," Rubio said. "We will go after drug cartels wherever they operate against US interests."
A source stated that the Trump administration is intentionally being ambiguous, and at present, there is no indication that Trump will order air strikes against targets in Venezuela.
However, two White House officials left open the possibility of such action in the future. One official said Trump told national security and defense officials that "if there's an opportunity to take out terrorists, he'll give them the green light immediately."
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Location of Venezuela. Graphic: BBC |
Location of Venezuela. Graphic: BBC
On 1/9, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro described the US military buildup in the Caribbean as the "greatest threat" to Venezuela in 100 years. He declared that Venezuela is ready for "armed struggle to defend national territory," and ordered the mobilization of regular troops and reservists.
Nguyen Tien (According to CNN, AFP, AP)
