The Trump Administration issued a strong statement on Saturday targeting narco-terrorism networks, pledging to "degrade, dismantle, and destroy" the organizations involved. Through a video shared on the State Department's social media channels, the administration declared its intent to free the Western Hemisphere from the grip of narco-terrorists, according to the official announcement.
This statement characterizes the criminal activities associated with drug trafficking as a "clear and present danger" to the region. Under President Trump's leadership, decisive measures have been implemented to safeguard American citizens and support neighboring countries. It further highlights that 13 organizations have thus far been designated as terrorist entities.
The text emphasizes that these groups "torture, threaten, mutilate, and murder with impunity," labeling them as "enemies of all humanity." It calls for collaborative efforts with regional partners to halt these organizations, dismantle them, and cut off the flow of drugs, arms trafficking, and illegal immigration, which it asserts they promote.
While the statement does not provide specific timelines, locations, or operational details beyond the general goals outlined, it stresses that Washington will maintain an active stance against transnational criminal networks operating in the continent. In doing so, the U.S. escalates its rhetoric against narco-terrorism, vows to free the hemisphere from its influence, acknowledges actions already taken, and urges regional coordination to curb drugs, weapons, and illegal immigration.
In a related development, U.S. officials are considering options for launching strikes against drug traffickers within Venezuela, a move that could be initiated within weeks, marking a new escalation in the Trump Administration's military campaign. According to four sources cited by NBC News, President Trump has yet to give final approval. These sources—two U.S. officials and two individuals familiar with the discussions—indicate that the plans focus on drone operations targeting members and leaders of criminal networks, as well as strikes on drug labs.
The White House referred to a previous statement by Trump ("we'll see what happens... it's unacceptable"). The United States has increased its military presence in the region, deploying at least eight ships and over 4,000 troops, along with F-35 fighters in Puerto Rico.
These developments occur amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela following the U.S. military's deployment in the Caribbean Sea, aimed at combating drug trafficking. The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns and maintains a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture, an accusation the Venezuelan government denies.
U.S. Actions Against Narco-Terrorism
What is the U.S. planning to do against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere?
The U.S. plans to degrade, dismantle, and destroy narco-terrorism networks, freeing the Western Hemisphere from their influence.
How many organizations have been designated as terrorists by the U.S.?
So far, 13 organizations involved in narco-terrorism have been designated as terrorists by the U.S.
What military actions has the U.S. taken in the Caribbean region?
The U.S. has deployed at least eight ships and over 4,000 troops, alongside F-35 fighters, in the Caribbean region to combat drug trafficking.