Trump Weighs Military Action Against Venezuelan Drug Cartels

Former President Trump is reportedly contemplating military strikes against drug cartel targets in Venezuela as part of a strategy to destabilize the regime of Nicolás Maduro. While he hasn’t finalized any decisions, the recent sinking of a drug smuggling vessel connected to narcotraffickers marks the start of a broader effort to dismantle these criminal organizations.

A source familiar with the situation noted, “It would be ideal if Maduro took the hint and stepped down willingly.” The underlying message seems to be a prompt for Maduro to consider how he wants this to unfold—either with ease or difficulty.

A White House official emphasized that if an opportunity arises to eliminate a terrorist, they’d proceed without hesitation. However, the White House has not addressed inquiries about this potential military action.

Both the Department of Defense and the State Department have remained tight-lipped regarding possible operations in Venezuela. Recently, the U.S. Navy has positioned at least eight warships in the Caribbean as part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking by Venezuelan cartels, which have been classified as foreign terrorist organizations.

Under Trump’s directive, an airstrike targeting a drug vessel associated with actively identified Tren Aragua narcoterrorists occurred earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of all 11 individuals on board.

In the aftermath of the strike, Venezuelan aircraft exhibited provocative maneuvers near U.S. naval vessels, prompting a stern warning from Trump: “I’d rather not discuss it, but if they put us in jeopardy, we won’t hesitate to respond.”

Reports suggest the U.S. plans to send 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of its campaign against the cartels. The specific roles of these advanced aircraft in the operation remain somewhat unclear.

Trump has asserted his intent to take action against other drug smuggling operations and Venezuelan aircraft that may pose a threat to U.S. objectives. Remarkably, he mentioned the previous controversial elections in Venezuela, hinting at election fraud that helped sustain Maduro’s rule.

“The Maduro administration lacks legitimacy in Venezuela,” stated White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, underscoring the administration’s view of it as a mere cartel engaged in narco-terrorism. She added that Trump is prepared to deploy all necessary resources to combat the drug crisis and hold those accountable responsible for it.

Notably, the Justice Department has put a $50 million bounty on Maduro, citing his involvement with drug trafficking operations.