The president of the United States toughened his speech against Caracas and warned that he is evaluating measures “on the ground” to stop fentanyl trafficking.
The relationship between USA and Venezuela became tense again after the president donald trump would anticipate a possible intervention in Venezuelan territorywithin the framework of a tightening of its anti-drug policy. From the White Housethe president assured that “there will be ground action” in the South American country and linked the government of Nicolas Maduro with fentanyl smuggling networks, a drug that wreaks havoc in their country.
Trump, who spoke during a conference on security and drug trafficking, maintained that China would be using Venezuela as a transit point to send fentanyl to the United Statesevading North American and Mexican port controls. “They are entering through Venezuela. We are not going to allow it,” he warned in a defiant tone.
Although he denied reports about the deployment of bombers near the Caribbean, the North American president did not rule out direct actions against what he described as “criminal networks protected by corrupt regimes.” He did not clarify whether he was referring to a military operation or a diplomatic offensive, which left open interpretation about a possible movement in the region.
The White House hardens its stance towards Caracas
Accompanied by his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegsethand the attorney general, Pam BondiTrump presented the results of what he described as “the largest anti-drug operation in the history of the country,” with more than 3,000 arrests in a single week. In this context, he once again placed Venezuela at the center of his narrative against drug trafficking, a position that his administration has maintained since 2019.
Diplomatic sources indicated that Washington is evaluating new economic sanctions and restrictions on Venezuelan tradein addition to a possible expansion of the maritime fence that the United States already maintains in Caribbean waters under the argument of controlling drug trafficking.
Trump’s speech comes at a time of economic fragility for Venezuela and growing international pressure on the Maduro government. Analysts agree that the mention of “land action” reinforces the interventionist profile of the Republican president and also seeks show firmness facing the internal front United States.
Meanwhile, from Caracas, the Bolivarian government did not issue an official response, although officials close to the Miraflores Palace described the statements as “a provocation” and “an excuse to justify attacks.”
Source: Ambito
