Retired General Michael T. Flynn, who once served as National Security Advisor to the United States, made a bold statement on social media this Saturday, declaring that "Nicolás Maduro's days are severely numbered." Flynn, a close ally to President Donald Trump, dubbed the Venezuelan leader as "the head of the largest foreign terrorist organization in the hemisphere" and warned against any continuation of the chavista regime. "There will be no 'mini-Maduro' left in his place," he asserted, highlighting that key U.S. figures such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Secretary of Defense, and the FBI Director "won't allow it."
Flynn emphasized that "terrorism, drug trafficking, child trafficking, and other illicit activities must end," underscoring that Trump "is fully committed and increasingly serious" about taking a stand against authoritarian regimes in the region. He also showed his support for Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, whom he referred to as "the Iron Lady," echoing Secretary of State Marco Rubio's description. "We need the duly elected and very strong @MariaCorinaYA," he stated.
Drawing on his experience in "successfully tracking high-value targets," Flynn advised Maduro to step down "while he still can" and allow the Venezuelan people to freely decide their future. His message followed recent remarks by President Trump, who reiterated his administration's stance against "criminal regimes in the Western Hemisphere," clearly targeting the Caracas government.
Military Tensions, Drug Trafficking, and the Cartel of the Suns in the Caribbean
The Caribbean region has recently witnessed an unprecedented military escalation between the United States and Venezuela, closely linked to the fight against drug trafficking and the growing influence of the Cartel of the Suns. Reports of aerial incursions, naval deployments, joint maneuvers with regional allies, and explicit warnings from Washington to Caracas dominate the current news cycle.
The Venezuelan regime has responded by insisting it will not tolerate any external military aggression. Concurrently, the U.S. has increased its naval presence in the Caribbean, including deploying a missile cruiser, positioning F-35 fighter jets, and conducting maritime anti-drug operations. This military buildup aligns with Trump's declaration that the U.S. is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, potentially paving the way for a more assertive interpretation of military actions within and near Venezuelan territory.
The Cartel of the Suns, allegedly linking chavista power structures—led by Maduro—to drug trafficking, frequently emerges as a central target in Washington's "anti-narcotics war" narrative. Amidst this tension, Maduro's government has declared a state of "external commotion," mobilizing troops and ramping up its resistance rhetoric.
In this atmosphere, the conflict has transcended diplomatic discourse, with the Caribbean becoming a geopolitical battleground at risk of escalating military confrontation under the guise of combating drug trafficking.
Understanding the Conflict Between the U.S. and Venezuela
What did Michael Flynn say about Nicolás Maduro?
Michael Flynn stated that Nicolás Maduro's days as leader are severely numbered, denouncing him as the head of a major foreign terrorist organization in the hemisphere and opposing any continuation of the chavista regime.
What actions is the U.S. taking against Venezuela?
The U.S. has escalated its military presence in the Caribbean, carrying out naval deployments and joint maneuvers with regional allies, in response to the growing power of the Cartel of the Suns and Maduro's regime.
How has Venezuela responded to U.S. military actions?
Venezuela has declared a state of "external commotion," mobilizing troops and intensifying its rhetoric of resistance against perceived external military aggression.