U.S. forces targeted another boat near Venezuela’s coast in a controversial drug interdiction operation Saturday – the latest escalation in a series of military actions drawing regional backlash. President Donald Trump announced the strike Sunday while hinting at a new focus: "Now we’ll have to start looking about the land" to combat trafficking. 🌎⚡
Showdown at Sea
Speaking aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Trump claimed naval forces are "blowing cartel terrorists out of the water" but offered no details on casualties. This follows at least four recent strikes by U.S. forces in international Caribbean waters, including a Friday operation that killed four people.
Venezuela Fires Back
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the actions as "aggression" in a fiery Telegram video, vowing readiness to "face any scenario." The country’s foreign minister also reported receiving solidarity from Russia amid rising tensions. 💥🤝
LatAm Bloc Condemns "Provocations"
A coalition of 10 Latin American countries slammed recent U.S. military activity as "illegal incursions" that risk regional stability. The Bolivarian Alliance warned the maneuvers "create unacceptable risks" for civilian safety – even as U.S. warships continue patrolling the Caribbean with 6,500+ troops deployed. 🚢🌴
While Trump claims success in disrupting maritime drug routes, a 2020 DEA report suggests Venezuela isn’t a major source of U.S.-bound narcotics. As tensions rise, one thing’s clear: This geopolitical drama is far from over. 🔍📉
