U.S. President Donald Trump announced on December 12, 2025, that American forces may expand counter-narcotics operations to include land-based strikes against drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuela. This marks a potential escalation from current maritime and aerial interdiction efforts in the Caribbean region.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro swiftly rejected the warning during a national address, stating: "We will never kneel before imperialist aggression. Our armed forces are prepared to defend national sovereignty." The exchange intensifies tensions between Washington and Caracas amid ongoing U.S. sanctions targeting Maduro's administration.
Analysts note this development follows increased U.S. military activity in the region this year, including joint exercises with regional partners. The Trump administration claims Venezuelan authorities facilitate cocaine shipments to North America – allegations Caracas consistently denies.
Regional leaders have called for dialogue, while financial markets show cautious responses to the geopolitical uncertainty. Investors are monitoring potential impacts on global energy supplies given Venezuela's oil reserves.
