U.S. President Donald Trump has declared plans to launch land-based military strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean, escalating Washington's counternarcotics operations in the region. The announcement, made during a White House meeting this week, signals a shift from maritime-focused efforts to what Trump called "much easier" land interventions.
🚨 What’s Happening?
Trump stated, "We're going to start doing those strikes on land… we know the routes they take," emphasizing the strategy’s immediacy. This follows a 2025 military buildup in the Caribbean, including the deployment of 15,000 troops and warships like the USS Gerald R. Ford—marking the largest U.S. presence there in 30 years.
⚖️ Critics Raise Eyebrows
Lawmakers and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have questioned the U.S. motives, with Maduro accusing Washington of fabricating a "war" to justify regime change. Meanwhile, Pentagon data reveals 21 maritime strikes since September 2025, resulting in 83 fatalities.
🌐 Why It Matters
With Venezuela’s coastline at the heart of the conflict, tensions are rising. While Trump claims an 85% success rate in stopping drug trafficking by sea, experts warn land operations could deepen regional instability. Stay tuned as this story develops.
