Maduro Denies U.S.Drug Trafficking Accusations, Calls for Dialog with Trump
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently rejected accusations of links to drug trafficking following a reported U.S. military strike against a vessel carrying cocaine near the Dominican Republic. The incident, which occurred Sunday morning approximately 80 nautical miles south of Beata Island, has escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The United States recently indicted Maduro, offering a $50 million reward for facts leading to his capture, alleging his involvement in drug trafficking. The Dominican Republic confirmed an American military action targeting a speedboat originating from the Guajira region-an area frequently cited in connection with illicit drug routes-and carrying roughly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. President Trump on Friday released a video claiming a U.S. strike had killed three “narcoterrorists” aboard a drug-laden boat headed for the United States.
According to Carlos Devers,spokesperson for the Dominican Republic’s anti-drug management,the vessel was destroyed in an “air military strike” by the United States.A source close to the examination in Santo Domingo stated,”According to the information we have,they (boats) start from Guajira between Colombia and venezuela,where these networks operate by rapid drug boats to Dominican territory.” The source further noted distinguishing characteristics of the cocaine packaging, stating, “The bundles that I saw, these colors, I do not see them like those of Colombia… These (destroyed) have many scratches.”
Amidst the escalating conflict,Maduro has extended an invitation to President Trump for dialogue,dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. The situation raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further military action as the U.S. continues to pursue its strategy against alleged drug trafficking operations linked to the Maduro regime. The Dominican Republic is expected to continue cooperating with U.S. authorities in investigating the incident and disrupting drug smuggling routes.
