Trump Targets Cartel Boats in Drug War Claims Missiles Outpace Them

President Donald Trump has intensified the United States’ military efforts against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, specifically targeting alleged cartel boats. Since September, the U.S. military has executed at least five strikes against these vessels.

Trump’s Military Strategy Against Drug Cartels

During a recent press conference, Trump stated that the U.S. has effectively controlled maritime trafficking routes. He remarked, “We’ve had a couple of days where there isn’t a boat to be found,” referring to the impact of the strikes.

Shift to Land Operations

Looking ahead, Trump indicated a shift in focus towards land operations in Latin America. He believes the current maritime efforts have proven successful, but he seeks to extend this control on land. “We are certainly looking at land now,” he said.

Targeting Faster Boats

Trump acknowledged the sophistication of cartel operations, stating that many boats used by traffickers are “world-class speedboats.” However, he emphasized that “they’re not faster than missiles,” hinting at the effectiveness of military technology in mitigating drug trafficking.

Covert Operations in Venezuela

The President also confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns about drug routes leading into the United States.

• Drug Trafficking Concerns: Venezuela has reportedly released prisoners who may be involved in trafficking.
• Maritime Channels: Drugs are frequently smuggled into the U.S. via maritime routes from Venezuela.

Although Trump did not directly address whether the CIA has orders to target Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, he reiterated that his administration does not recognize him as a legitimate leader, describing Maduro as a “leader of a drug cartel.”

Congressional Response to Military Actions

The Trump administration’s aggressive stance has sparked debate in Congress regarding the legality of military actions against cartel operations. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the implications of these strikes.

• Legislative Action: A war powers resolution was introduced by Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine to restrict military engagement with non-state organizations.
• Outcome: The resolution failed in the Senate, with a 51-48 vote on October 8.

Despite the legal debates, Trump defended the military actions, asserting that the targeted vessels were confirmed to be carrying drugs. He stated, “When they’re loaded up with drugs, they’re fair game.”

As these developments unfold, the implications of both militarized interventions and covert operations in the fight against drug trafficking continue to shape U.S. policy in Latin America.