Trump Warns of Potential “Violent” War as Venezuela Bolsters Military Amid caribbean Tensions
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald trump issued a stark warning about a possible war involving Venezuela, stating it would be “violent,” as the South American nation significantly increases its military readiness. The escalation comes amid heightened tensions in the Caribbean Sea following recent U.S. Navy actions targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels.
the warning reflects growing concerns over regional stability as Venezuela, under President Nicolás Maduro, responds to U.S.counter-narcotics operations with a large-scale military exercise involving 200,000 troops. This deployment, initiated Tuesday and expected to continue through Wednesday, focuses on command, control, communications, coastal defense, disaster management, and a perceived “military threat” in the Caribbean-a threat Maduro’s government asserts extends beyond Venezuela to the entire Latin American region. Diosdado Cabello, a key figure in the Maduro government, stated that preparations are being “optimized” “Every day” and that maneuvers and exercises of general staff are ongoing.
The U.S. began intercepting and sinking suspected drug trafficking vessels in early September, reportedly destroying around twenty boats and resulting in approximately 75 fatalities. this action prompted Maduro to order an increase in preparation for the Venezuelan armed forces and security agencies, according to Cabello. He further detailed that the military exercise ”contemplates command, control and communications.”
The situation raises the specter of a broader conflict, potentially drawing in regional actors and impacting international drug trafficking routes. The U.S. has not directly responded to Trump’s warning, but continues to maintain a strong military presence in the Caribbean.