Vance threatens decisive US military action against Venezuelan cartels
Photo: US Vice President J.D. Vance (Getty Images)
The US is preparing decisive strikes against drug cartels. A large-scale military operation is planned, involving Army forces, according to statements from US Vice President J.D. Vance and CNN.
Sources told CNN that President Donald Trump is considering strikes on cartels in Venezuela.
A recent attack on a boat, which killed 11 drug traffickers, reflects this new strategy. Officials say it is only the beginning of a broader campaign aimed at clearing the region of drug trafficking and potentially removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power.
White House officials noted that in recent weeks, the US has deployed significant military forces to the Caribbean. The move is seen in part as a signal to Maduro. Anonymous sources told CNN that ships armed with Tomahawk missiles, an attack submarine, several aircraft, and more than 4,000 US sailors and Marines are already positioned off the coast of Venezuela.
According to one source, Trump has authorized the military to conduct lethal operations against cartels that his administration has officially designated as terrorist organizations.
Vance said that operations against cartels represent the best use of US military power.
"Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military," he emphasized.
As a reminder, the US has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro, who is accused of drug trafficking, corruption, and human rights abuses.
On August 9, the US officially declared war on drug cartels. This includes Venezuela's Cártel de los Soles, which Maduro is reportedly leading.
Earlier today, Trump was asked whether the US is indeed preparing to overthrow Maduro's regime in Venezuela.
