The US is apparently preparing possible airstrikes inside Venezuela, as part of a broadening of its campaign against the regime of President Nicolás Maduro and what Washington refers to as the “Cartel de los Soles,” a powerful military-run drug network said to be linked to the Venezuelan government. Officials say B-1 Lancer bombers have already flown close to Venezuelan airspace in a “show of force.” This marks a sharp expansion of US operations in Latin America.
Background: Trump’s Counter-Narcotics Turn
The move is part of a broader Trump administration directive to treat the Venezuelan drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Enabling “kinetic action” under the new rules of engagement. According to reports published first by the Miami Herald and Reuters. U.S. forces have already conducted maritime strikes in the Caribbean, since September. They targets – vessels suspected of smuggling cocaine linked with the Venezuelan military. There have been at least 13 operations so far, resulting in over 50 casualties.
The Pentagon has quietly redeployed warships, aircraft and personnel to the Caribbean basin. Bringing them within striking distance of Venezuelan soil. A senior U.S. official described the latest bomber flights as “an attack demonstration.” The build up is intended to send a message to Caracas that “Washington’s patience has expired.”
Maduro Seeks Allies as Pressure Mounts
President Nicolás Maduro has responded by accusing Washington of preparing for “imperialist aggression” and called on regional unity to resist “foreign occupation.” Venezuelan state media said there had been large-scale troop mobilisations along the border with Colombia and at key coastal cities.
The Washington Post, in a report citing U.S. officials, said Maduro asked for military aid from Russia, China and Iran. He requested radar systems, drones and air-defense missiles – out of fear of a U.S. attack.
Global Reaction and Legal Implications
The U.N. experts warned that U.S. strikes in international waters already “amount to extrajudicial executions.” In a recent filing, Venezuela has asked the U.N. Security Council to declare the U.S. actions “illegal and aggressive,” citing violations of the U.N. Charter and the principle of sovereignty.
“An attack on Venezuelan soil would have effects that range from diplomatic protests to an increase in persecution and would unite the population around defending sovereignty,” said political analyst.
Implications: A Risk of Regional Escalation
Analysts warn that the strategy is reminiscent of U.S. interventions in Latin America during the Cold War. From Panama in 1989 to Grenada in 1983. This time around, Washington is framing the action in the context of counter-terrorism and anti-narco operations. thus perhaps evading international legal barriers.
Military analysts also say even limited American strikes might provoke a prolonged regional crisis, inviting deeper Russian and Chinese involvement in Venezuela and destabilizing neighbors like Colombia and Brazil. What’s in Store For now, the Trump administration insists that “no decision has been made” on strikes inside Venezuelan territory. Yet officials confirm that strike packages are ready should Maduro or his commanders resist upcoming U.S. sanctions or obstruct anti-narcotics operations. If it goes ahead, Latin America will witness its gravest military confrontation in decades-a collision of power, ideology, and narcotics politics that can reshape U.S.-Latin American relations for years to come. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-tensions-trump-ready-to-bomb-venezuela-military-sites-1761932314256
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