US Defense Department Confirms Venezuelan Aircraft Intrusion
The Department of Defense announced on Thursday that two Venezuelan aircraft came close to US naval vessels in international waters. This incident, labeled as “a very provocative move,” coincides with the Trump administration’s intensified efforts against narcoterrorism.
“Today, two aircraft from the Maduro regime flew near US naval vessels in international waters. This highly provocative action seems designed to disrupt our counter-narcoterrorism operations,” the Defense Department stated. They urged Venezuelan cartels to refrain from interfering with US military operations aimed at combating drug trafficking and terrorism.
This incident followed a significant US Marine strike against a cartel-controlled ship earlier in the week. Reports indicate that the action resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US.
Trump’s Warning to Maduro: ‘No Sanctuary’
Prior to the strike on Tuesday, US initiatives to tackle cartels primarily involved asset seizures and other less aggressive tactics. However, this recent military action appears to signal a shift towards a more forceful strategy under the Trump administration.
Rubio: Trump Prepared to “Fight a War” Against Venezuelan Drug Traffickers
During a visit to Ecuador on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that two gangs in Venezuela have been officially classified as foreign terrorist organizations. He criticized the Venezuelan leadership for its role in drug trafficking and labeled Nicolas Maduro as an “indicted drug trafficker” and “a fugitive of American justice.”
Rubio explained that Maduro is facing serious charges in the Southern District of New York, where evidence has already been presented that led to his indictment. “So, number one, he, Nicolas Maduro, is a drug trafficker charged in the United States,” Rubio emphasized.
He also indicated that the US and its allies would collaborate more closely in this rigorous approach to combating international organized crime, stating that a cooperative government would assist in identifying drug traffickers and potentially take decisive military action if necessary.
