Former President Donald Trump has openly refused to dismiss the possibility of deploying American troops to Venezuela as his administration intensifies its campaign against drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
Escalating Tensions and Military Strikes
The situation between the United States and Venezuela has grown increasingly tense following Trump's return to the White House. US forces conducted their 21st lethal strike as part of Operation Southern Spear on Sunday, utilising the nation's most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals described as 'male narco-terrorists'.
This latest military action brings the total death toll from the intensifying campaign against small boats to at least 83 people. Notably, US officials have yet to present concrete evidence supporting their accusations against those targeted in these operations.
Diplomatic Wavering and Military Buildup
In a surprising shift, Trump suggested on Monday that he might engage in discussions with Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro, despite having abandoned diplomatic efforts with the South American nation last month. When questioned by reporters in the Oval Office about potential troop deployments, Trump responded: 'I don't rule out anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela.'
This ambiguous stance comes amid a significant military presence in the region. With missile-firing Navy destroyers and the USS Ford operating nearby, approximately 15,000 US troops are now deployed - representing the largest American military presence in the area in decades, according to The New York Times.
Conflicting Narratives and Regional Concerns
Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly called for peace in recent days, but Trump remains determined to eliminate what he terms 'narco terrorists' and halt the flow of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.
Maduro maintains that the American threat has little to do with drugs and everything to do with power, accusing Washington of using the war on cartels as justification to overthrow his government and seize Venezuela's immense oil and military resources.
The growing tensions have prompted concern among international observers and even some of Trump's allies. The United Kingdom has reportedly suspended intelligence-sharing with the US regarding suspected smuggler boats, indicating unease about the direction of American operations.
James Story, the former US ambassador to Venezuela, has cautioned that the likelihood of military action has increased dramatically - from just 10 percent in recent months to approximately 80 percent currently.
Expanding the Drug War
Trump's threats aren't limited to Venezuela. During remarks at the White House on Monday, he suggested openness to conducting strikes in Mexico as well, describing the country as an additional source of drugs flowing into the United States. 'Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It's OK with me,' Trump told reporters. 'Whatever we have to do to stop drugs.'
Meanwhile, anger continues to mount in Venezuela over civilian deaths, with many protesters asserting there is no evidence linking those killed to criminal syndicates. Maduro has leveraged these casualties to rally domestic support, portraying them as proof that the United States is willing to kill Latin Americans at sea without due process.
As the situation develops, Trump maintains significant flexibility in his approach. On Friday, he revealed he had 'sort of made up' his mind regarding a future course of action, though he provided no details about what that might entail.
