The possibility of President Donald Trump ordering a US Navy attack on Venezuela has raised concerns about the potential destruction of key cartel sites, as reported by a retired colonel to The Mirror. The recent deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, signals a potential escalation in Trump’s efforts against suspected drug trafficking activities near Venezuela’s coast. The President’s commitment to combating the drug trade, particularly the influx of fentanyl causing numerous deaths in the US annually, has intensified the focus on Venezuela.
With the US naval presence growing in the Caribbean, President Trump’s administration has indicated a readiness to confront Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and alleged cartel ties that facilitate drug smuggling into the US. Retired US Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian highlighted the unusual military buildup in the region, suggesting potential targets for US strikes, including cartel production facilities, airfields, warehouses, and regime installations.
US administrations have historically opposed Maduro’s dictatorship, viewing it as a catalyst for cartel activities that fuel drug trafficking into the US. This stance has influenced Trump’s decision to deploy additional warships and submarines to the Caribbean. While the US lacks significant ground forces compared to Venezuela, military analysts like Cancian believe that targeted strikes could weaken the Maduro regime and disrupt cartel operations.
The prospect of regime change in Venezuela raises concerns about potential cartel influence in the absence of a stable government. Any support to a new administration post-Maduro’s removal might involve military aid, training, and peacekeeping assistance from international allies. Trump’s administration aims to garner American backing for such actions, emphasizing the need to counter drug trafficking and protect US citizens.
In the event of military involvement in Venezuela, the scale of aid and conflict would likely be more limited compared to previous engagements, such as in Ukraine. The US President is expected to justify any assistance to a new Venezuelan government as essential for combating drug threats and safeguarding American interests.
