The potential destruction of crucial cartel sites in Venezuela looms as President Donald Trump contemplates deploying the US Navy’s might, a retired colonel informed The Mirror.
The recent presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, suggests Trump’s readiness to intensify efforts against suspected drug trafficking activities near Venezuela, which have led to over 75 deaths since August. Trump had previously pledged to combat the drug trade, particularly the influx of fentanyl causing numerous deaths annually in the US.
As the naval strike group arrived in the Caribbean, Trump indicated that the days of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro are numbered, hinting at potential regime change due to allegations of harboring cartels facilitating opioid smuggling into the US. According to retired US Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian, Trump might authorize direct strikes against both the cartels and the Maduro regime.
Cancian mentioned the unusual buildup of US forces in the Caribbean, highlighting possible target sites for US strikes against the cartels and the Maduro government, including production facilities, airfields, warehouses, and security forces.
Various US administrations have opposed Maduro’s dictatorship, viewing him with hostility as his regime allegedly empowers cartels, enabling drug trafficking into the US. These concerns likely influenced Trump’s decision to dispatch multiple warships and submarines to the Caribbean, although a ground offensive seems improbable given the current size of US marine forces compared to Venezuela’s ground troops.
While the US aims for a regime change in Venezuela, there are concerns that cartels could still exert influence, potentially necessitating support for a new government in the form of military aid and peacekeeping troops from other nations.
Trump may argue that supporting a new administration is crucial in combating drug trafficking and safeguarding US citizens, despite the growing domestic sentiment for disengagement from foreign conflicts. Any potential military assistance to Venezuela would likely be limited compared to aid provided to other countries, emphasizing a focus on countering the drug trade and protecting American interests.