U.S. officials are considering various military strategies to target drug traffickers operating within Venezuela, potentially launching these actions in the coming weeks. This move would signify a further intensification of the military campaign driven by the Trump Administration. According to NBC News, President Trump has yet to give his final approval for these operations.
Sources familiar with the discussions, including two U.S. officials, suggest that the plans involve drone operations aimed at criminal network members and leaders, as well as strikes on drug laboratories. The White House referred to a previous statement by Trump, saying, "We’ll see what happens... it's unacceptable," while the Pentagon declined to comment.
The consideration of military action within Venezuelan borders follows recent U.S. activities in the Caribbean, where American forces claim to have sunk at least three vessels from Venezuela suspected of drug trafficking. Although Washington has not provided evidence that all these boats were carrying narcotics, Dominican Republic authorities reported finding drugs in the water after one incident.
The Trump Administration argues that this escalation is partly due to Nicolás Maduro's insufficient efforts in curbing drug flow. Concurrently, the U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying at least eight ships and over 4,000 personnel, along with F-35 fighters stationed in Puerto Rico.
NBC sources caution that maintaining such military strength in the Caribbean indefinitely is unsustainable, prompting a swift evaluation of "all options." Despite Venezuela not being a major cocaine producer, it is seen as a departure point for drug flights to other countries.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Maduro with drug trafficking and recently raised the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million, linking him with criminal organizations like the Tren de Aragua. However, Venezuela is not believed to be a source of fentanyl reaching the U.S.
On the political front, some officials do not rule out regime change as a potential objective of these operations. According to NBC, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is among those advocating this path within the Administration’s internal discussions.
Maduro, however, denies any ties to drug trafficking and claims that Washington’s aim is to topple him. While military actions are being contemplated, indirect communication channels exist, with Middle Eastern leaders mediating talks between Washington and Caracas. A senior official noted that Maduro has discussed concessions to remain in power during these negotiations.
Simultaneously, practical coordination persists, with 54 deportation flights conducted up to last week. Venezuelan analyst Aníbal Sánchez Ismayel warned NBC that a U.S. attack on Venezuelan soil could lead to diplomatic protests or an increase in political persecutions, reinforcing a narrative of sovereignty defense.
The White House maintains that Trump is "prepared to use all elements of American power" to stop drug inflow and bring those accountable to justice. While attacks in Venezuela could occur in the coming weeks, no such operations have been authorized yet. The internal debate continues amid military pressure, diplomatic calculations, and mixed signals regarding the true scope of the anti-narcotics campaign in the region.
FAQs on U.S. Military Actions and Drug Trafficking in Venezuela
What military actions is the U.S. considering in Venezuela?
The U.S. is contemplating drone operations targeting criminal network members and leaders, as well as strikes on drug laboratories in Venezuela.
Why is the U.S. focusing on drug traffickers in Venezuela?
The U.S. believes that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has not done enough to halt drug trafficking, and thus seeks to disrupt these operations through military means.
Has President Trump approved military action in Venezuela?
As of now, President Trump has not given final approval for military operations within Venezuelan territory.