Amidst escalating tensions, the U.S. military conducted a significant operation targeting a suspected drug trafficking vessel off the Venezuelan coast, marking the beginning of a broader military initiative, as stated by officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed plans for ongoing military actions, signaling the start of a sustained military campaign in Latin America.
In a recent development, President Donald Trump released a video showcasing an aerial strike on the vessel, which he claimed was transporting a substantial amount of drugs and 11 alleged “terrorists” who were all reportedly eliminated. This action comes after a buildup of military presence in the region, involving the positioning of warships and deployment of numerous troops closer to Venezuela. The primary objective of the operation is to disrupt cartel activities involved in drug trafficking to the United States.
President Trump emphasized the deterrent effect of the video, stating that it would dissuade others from similar activities in the future. While attributing the casualties to the Tren de Aragua gang, Trump did not provide any supporting evidence for his claim.
Tren de Aragua, originally a prison gang formed in Venezuela’s Aragua state over a decade ago, has gained notoriety for its extreme brutality, including acts of violence like beheadings and live burials. The group has expanded its criminal operations beyond Venezuela to countries such as Chile, Colombia, and more recently, to cities in the United States like New York, Chicago, and Denver suburbs. Authorities have linked the gang to various criminal activities ranging from drug smuggling to sex trafficking and extortion.
The Biden administration previously categorized Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization, but during Trump’s tenure, the group was designated as a “foreign terrorist organization,” a designation typically reserved for political entities like al-Qaeda. Trump accused the gang of facilitating the influx of violent migrants into the U.S., leading to increased criminal activities in urban areas.
President Maduro of Venezuela has vehemently denied any association with Tren de Aragua, dismissing it as a fabricated entity created by external forces. The Venezuelan government has alleged that the gang’s existence is part of a conspiracy orchestrated by the U.S. and domestic opposition to undermine Maduro’s regime.
The Trump administration has labeled Maduro as a major narco-trafficker, accusing him of collaborating with cartels to flood the U.S. with cocaine laced with fentanyl. These allegations date back to 2020 when Maduro was indicted on narco-terrorism charges in New York, leading to substantial rewards for his capture and the seizure of assets linked to him.
While speculations about a potential U.S. invasion of Venezuela have surfaced following the military build-up in the region, there is no immediate indication of such a move. The U.S. military has intensified its presence near Venezuelan waters, with additional naval assets expected to arrive. However, details about the extent and scope of the operation remain undisclosed.
In response to the escalating tensions, President Maduro has called on Venezuelans to prepare for a possible invasion, describing the military deployment as an unjustifiable and aggressive threat. He has mobilized troops along the coast and border with Colombia, urging civilians to join a civilian militia in defense of the country.
Despite Maduro’s claims of victory in the previous presidential election, his legitimacy remains highly contested, with both Canada and the U.S. rejecting his leadership. Political opposition within Venezuela has been advocating for international support to oust Maduro, with some endorsing the U.S. military intervention as a necessary measure against what they perceive as a corrupt regime.