The President of the United States, Donald Trump, declared in an interview with CBS on Sunday (2), that Nicolás Maduro’s days as president of Venezuela are numbered. The statement occurred amid a series of American military operations in the Caribbean, aimed at combating drug trafficking. Trump avoided details about future actions, but increased pressure on the Venezuelan government.
The statement reflects the increase in bilateral tensions, driven by accusations of Caracas’ involvement with drug cartels. American authorities classified networks linked to the regime as terrorist organizations, which justifies naval mobilizations in the region. Maduro, in turn, denies the allegations and accuses Washington of seeking control over Venezuelan resources.
Since September, the US has carried out more than 15 attacks on suspected vessels, resulting in at least 65 deaths in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. These actions, coordinated by Southern Command, include the use of destroyers and fighters, with a focus on illicit trafficking routes.
Naval mobilizations raise alert in the region
American armed forces sent a fleet to the southern Caribbean, including amphibious ships with capacity for 4,500 troops. The operation, which began in August, aims to intercept boats linked to cartels, but Caracas interprets it as a direct threat to sovereignty.
Trinidad and Tobago activated maximum alert level for its troops, ordering immediate return to barracks. The country, a neighbor of Venezuela, participates in joint exercises with the USA, which Caracas classified as a military provocation.
Venezuela responded with naval patrols and the use of drones in territorial waters. Maduro has mobilized 4.5 million militiamen and reservists for coastal defense exercises, setting the stage for possible clashes.
Drug trafficking accusations boost US stocks
Washington offered a reward of US$50 million for information about Maduro, accused of leading the Cartel de los Soles. The US Department of Justice has presented evidence of links between Venezuelan officials and cocaine routes into North America.
- US authorities estimate that 10% of cocaine seized in the US passes through the Caribbean.
- Reports indicate that destroyed vessels were carrying up to 2 tons of narcotics per trip.
- Economic sanctions against 200 entities linked to the regime have been imposed since October.
These data support the narrative that drug trafficking finances Maduro’s government, although Caracas refutes this with allegations of fabricating evidence.
The Pentagon released videos of Marines in live-fire training, deploying machine guns in boats in the Caribbean Sea. The presence of nuclear submarines and F-35 fighters reinforces rapid response capabilities.
International criticism marks the rise
The UN condemned the American strikes as extrajudicial killings, with High Commissioner Volker Türk calling for an immediate halt to operations. The statement highlighted that more than 60 deaths occurred without imminent threat, violating international humanitarian law.
Colombia expressed public concern, classifying the actions as violations of criminal law. Bogotá, Washington’s historic ally, has recommended legal interception methods rather than bombing.
UN human rights experts pointed out risks of dangerous escalation for Caribbean peace. They emphasized that the fight against trafficking must prioritize transparent arrests and investigations.
Russia and China expressed diplomatic support for Caracas, with Moscow criticizing the provocations as a pretext for intervention. These positions isolate the US in multilateral forums.
Regional reactions demand de-escalation
Caribbean countries monitor the conflict cautiously, fearing economic impacts. Jamaica and Barbados have called emergency meetings to discuss trade routes affected by the patrols.
South American governments, including Brazil, defend diplomatic solutions via the OAS. The Brazilian Foreign Affairs Secretariat reiterated its commitment to the zone of peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Joint US-Trinidad exercises have involved 2,000 troops sinceand Sunday.
- Venezuela plans defense simulations with Russian allies in November.
- OAS reports record a 20% increase in irregular migration at the border.
These measures aim to contain the spread of instability, with an emphasis on bilateral negotiations.
Operational details reveal strategy
US Southern Command coordinates missions with CIA intelligence, using satellites to track vessels. Recent attacks in the Eastern Pacific neutralized seven boats, seizing 1.5 tons of cocaine.
Military bases in Puerto Rico were reactivated, with investments in infrastructure for logistical support. Analysts indicate that these preparations facilitate long-term operations in the region.
Venezuela declared a state of emergency at maritime borders, authorizing armed responses to intrusions. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced training in urban slums for internal defense.
Trump, in his interview, minimized the risks of open war, focusing on economic and legal pressures. However, Pentagon sources expect patrols to continue until the end of the year.
