U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces targeted another vessel near Venezuela's coast on Saturday, marking the latest in a series of maritime operations against alleged drug trafficking. Speaking at Naval Station Norfolk, Trump vowed to expand anti-narcotics efforts to land-based operations, claiming cartels are avoiding sea routes due to heightened naval activity.
Regional Backlash Intensifies
The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty, a 10-nation Latin American bloc, condemned recent U.S. military maneuvers as "illegal incursions" violating international law. The group warned such actions risk regional stability and aviation safety.
Venezuela's Defiant Response
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro denounced U.S. "aggression" in a Telegram video, asserting readiness to "face any scenario." The remarks followed a show of support from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a phone call with Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil.
Strategic Context
While the Trump administration has deployed over 6,500 troops to the Caribbean since September, a 2020 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration report cited by The New York Times notes Venezuela is not a primary source of U.S.-bound narcotics. The operations have reportedly killed at least 21 people in recent weeks, drawing scrutiny from regional observers.
