Trump Announces Imminent Ground Operations Against Drug Trafficking Networks in Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is prepared to launch ground operations against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela, emphasizing that this action will begin “very soon.”
During a phone call with U.S. military personnel on Thanksgiving, Trump stated that American forces have successfully deterred Venezuelan drug traffickers in recent weeks, many of whom have resorted to land routes to evade surveillance. He added, “We have warned them against sending drugs into our country, and we will stop them on land as well. The situation is easier now, but operations will start soon.”
CNN reported that Trump’s comments come after high-level intelligence briefings and a display of U.S. military forces in the region, confirming his firm stance regarding Venezuela.
Trump also revealed his intention to have a phone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, amid rising tensions between Washington and Caracas due to U.S. military escalation. Trump remarked, “We might talk to him. We will consult with officials, and if we can handle it easily, that’s better. If we have to take the hard route, we won’t hesitate.”
Axios indicated that the phone call between Trump and Maduro is still in the planning stages, with no date set yet, and the content of the conversation between the two leaders remains unclear.
It is noteworthy that since September, Trump has issued orders to target boats in the Caribbean suspected of being used for drug trafficking, leading to the destruction of dozens of vessels and more than 80 deaths, asserting that the United States does not intend to wage war on Venezuela, but believes, “Maduro’s days in power are numbered.”
