US to Start Arresting Venezuelan Drug Traffickers by Land Soon, Trump Says
During a Thanksgiving video teleconference on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Venezuela. He announced plans to arrest Venezuelan drug traffickers by land, stating this action would commence “very soon.” Trump emphasized his commitment to combating what he termed the “poison” sent from Venezuela, specifically blaming the Nicolás Maduro regime for the drug trade.
Military Operations Against Drug Traffickers
As part of a broader operation named Southern Spear, which commenced on September 2, the U.S. has conducted military actions resulting in the bombing of at least 21 vessels. These operations have reportedly led to the deaths of around 83 people, mainly in Caribbean waters and near the Venezuelan coast. Despite this, U.S. authorities have not provided evidence linking these targets to drug trafficking activities, nor have they released identities of those killed.
Shift from Sea to Land Operations
Trump hinted at a strategic shift in enforcement methods. He remarked that fewer drugs are being transported by sea and indicated plans to intercept drug shipments on land. This announcement comes from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where he spent the Thanksgiving weekend.
Venezuela’s Drug Trade Allegations
The president accused Venezuela of facilitating a drug crisis in the U.S., particularly pointing to the opioid fentanyl. However, evidence shows that fentanyl primarily originates from Mexico and China, rather than Venezuela. Analysts suggest this rhetoric serves as a pretext for increasing pressure on Maduro and could ultimately aim for regime change.
U.S. Naval Presence in the Caribbean
The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean has intensified since late August. A significant addition, the USS Gerald Ford, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, has played a crucial role in the operations against alleged drug traffickers. Furthermore, the State Department recently classified the Cartel of the Suns—a network allegedly controlled by Maduro—as a terrorist organization. The U.S. also increased the reward for Maduro to $50 million.
Potential for Negotiations
Amid increased military posturing, Trump suggested a willingness to negotiate with Maduro, stating he would prefer an easier resolution to save lives. However, he also conveyed readiness to pursue harder methods if necessary. The possibility of direct talks between Trump and Maduro remains uncertain, with ongoing speculation about the likelihood of such a meeting.
Public Sentiment and Reaction
Both Trump’s base and general U.S. public opinion show significant resistance to military intervention in Venezuela. Recent polls indicate that approximately 70% of respondents oppose a military initiative in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Maduro’s public demeanor fluctuates between rejecting U.S. threats and calling for unity among Venezuelans to defend against external pressures.
