The planned attacks, also reported by the Wall Street Journal, are aimed at destroying bases used by the Soles drug cartel, which the US believes is led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and managed by senior members of his regime.
Tensions are rising between the United States and Venezuela. The Trump administration is reportedly considering attacking military installations inside the country, and it could happen at any time, sources familiar with the situation told the Miami Herald. The planned strikes, also reported by the Wall Street Journal, are aimed at destroying bases used by the Soles drug cartel, which the U.S. believes is led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and managed by senior members of his regime.
OBJECTIVES
According to information published by the Miami Herald and the Wall Street Journal, the planned attacks aim, in addition to destroying military infrastructure, to help neutralize the leadership of the drug cartel that exports about 500 tons of cocaine each year, mainly to the US and Europe. The escalation of tensions is a clear signal that a critical point has been reached. Several sources close to the US administration suggest that the main targets include ports, airports and military bases used for drug transportation. The United States is determined to use air power to carry out possible attacks aimed at destroying the cartel leaders, an action that could happen within days or even hours.
MILITARY MOBILIZATION
The USS Gravely, a powerful guided-missile destroyer, has been sent to the Caribbean, intensifying the diplomatic dispute with Caracas. In this context, President Nicolás Maduro has raised his concerns, believing that after the alleged anti-narcotics operations, the US aim is to overthrow his regime. Also, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a possible military escalation is increasingly close, as the US has carried out repeated attacks on ships sailing in international waters, with a total of seven attacks in the last two months. To reinforce its military presence, the US has sent the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford and a powerful naval fleet, which includes eight warships, three amphibious assault ships and a submarine, creating an extraordinary presence in the Region. This is the largest US naval operation in Latin America in 25 years, with over 700 missiles and approximately 180 Tomahawk missiles that can be launched if necessary. According to military experts, this could be one of the largest efforts to put pressure on the Maduro regime. Another important aspect is the deployment of B-1B bombers to the Caribbean, showing the Trump administration’s commitment to intensifying efforts against Venezuela.
HELP FROM RUSSIA, CHINA AND IRAN
In response to these developments, President Maduro has sought the help of international powers, including Russia, China and Iran, to strengthen his country’s defenses. In a letter to President Vladimir Putin, he asked for help to withstand possible air strikes by the United States. Venezuela is also seeking modern military equipment to protect its borders and critical infrastructure from a possible U.S. military operation. This is a key moment in understanding how international tensions will evolve and how they will affect Venezuela’s political and economic stability in the near future.