There’s no denying it anymore. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has reason to be concerned. He might soon face a fate similar to that of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a surprise attack during President Trump’s first term in January 2020. This wasn’t about invasions but rather targeted strikes against international threats.
Maduro’s options are dwindling, and time is not on his side. Trump issued a clear warning to those he categorizes as terrorists smuggling drugs into the United States, saying that their days are numbered.
It’s important to note that Maduro isn’t just viewed as a drug trafficker. His reputation extends to being labeled an international terrorist. In July, the Ministry of Finance’s Foreign Asset Management Bureau identified the Sands cartel as a global terrorist organization, emphasizing Maduro’s ties to other criminal groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.
The presence of these cartels in Venezuela has become a national security concern. The Ministry of Finance categorized Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization engaged in various crimes, including drug smuggling and human trafficking. The implications of Maduro’s designation as a narcoterrorist are severe, effectively shutting down any hopes of dialogue and revealing him as a significant national security risk.
The US has a firm stance—there’s no negotiating with terrorists. For years, Venezuela has used oil as a diplomatic tool, even weaponizing the transition. This strategy, while effective, is now outdated.
Maduro’s recent overtures to Trump for dialogue were dismissed in Washington. A White House spokesperson referred to Maduro’s letter as insincere and reiterated that the administration’s stance on Venezuela remains unchanged.
Recent actions, including the destruction of three drug containers that resulted in 17 deaths, signify a shift in tactics. Traditional methods of investigation and engagement with Venezuelan cartels are no longer effective. The new approach is decisive and aggressive.
An unconventional conflict is unfolding. Long-term military campaigns have become a thing of the past. The advent of new technology, like drones, has altered the landscape of warfare. Recent operations have shown their capability to deliver precise strikes without the need for ground troops.
The Trump administration seems to favor quick, impactful operations over prolonged wars, in line with the preferences of its political base.
Showcasing military strength has also become part of this new strategy. Large-scale demonstrations of force serve to underline the US’s influence in the Western Hemisphere, sending a clear message to powers like Russia and China.
The actions of the US military have created instability within the ranks of the Chavista leadership in Venezuela. This country, which has been under criminal control for decades, is inching closer to liberation. It appears that America is reasserting its role as a leader in the region.
