U.S. Escalates Caribbean Operations, Trump Hints at Further Action Against Drug Cartels
CARACAS, Venezuela - President Donald Trump confirmed the United States has deployed warships and warplanes to the South Caribbean as part of a renewed effort to counter drug trafficking, signaling a potential escalation that could include operations on land. The move has triggered a strong rebuke from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who denounced the U.S. presence as an “armed aggression” aimed at regime change and resource theft.
At least twenty-one people have died in attacks linked to the operations thus far, according to U.S. officials. While the stated objective is disrupting drug trafficking routes, the deployment raises regional tensions and concerns about potential military conflict. The U.S. has long accused Venezuela of enabling drug cartels to operate within its borders, allegations Maduro’s government vehemently denies. Trump’s confirmation and suggestion of further action represent a significant shift in U.S.policy toward the region, potentially destabilizing an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
“We are doing very well in the Caribbean,” Trump stated, without providing specific details on future operations. Sources indicate the U.S.is prepared to target drug production and trafficking networks directly, potentially involving ground operations in addition to naval and aerial surveillance.
Maduro, in response, ordered military exercises and the mobilization of reservists and militias, declaring, “Venezuela will never humiliate any empire.” He also announced a decree is prepared to declare a state of external shock – an unprecedented measure that could suspend constitutional guarantees – should the situation escalate.
“It is indeed an armed aggression to impose a regime change, to impose puppet governments and to steal oil, gas, gold and all natural resources,” Maduro said in a public address from Caracas.
The U.S. deployment follows a pattern of increased pressure on Venezuela, including sanctions and diplomatic efforts to oust Maduro’s government. The current escalation marks a potentially dangerous turning point, raising the specter of direct military confrontation in the region.
