Heads up! 🚨 On Thursday, President Trump said the U.S. will very soon start land-based operations to halt suspected drug traffickers from Venezuela. Why the shift? Drug routes by sea have become a no-go zone thanks to U.S. naval patrols, so traffickers are eyeing land corridors.
In recent weeks, the U.S. has ramped up its military footprint in the Caribbean:
- On November 26, the U.S. Southern Command Air Force said B-52H strategic bombers flew tactical attack exercises in international waters along the Venezuelan coastline.
- On November 4, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar en route to the Caribbean Sea.
- On October 23, flight trackers spotted a U.S. B-1B bomber approaching the Venezuelan coast, though President Trump later denied it.
Why it matters 🌎: Latin America has long been a hotspot for cocaine routes, and Venezuela's political crisis has deepened the challenge. By targeting overland smuggling, the U.S. hopes to choke off flows before they hit the open sea.
What's next? ⏳ Trump's upcoming land push could include checkpoints, intelligence ops, and joint patrols with regional partners. But experts warn a stronger U.S. presence on land could heighten tensions with Venezuela and spark diplomatic headaches.
Stay tuned for updates – whether you're a news buff, investor, or student researching Latin American affairs, this developing story is one to watch in geopolitics. ✈️🌐
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
