The Pentagon is reportedly in the process of formulating plans to conduct drone strikes targeting drug traffickers within Venezuela, with operations potentially commencing in the coming weeks.
This development, as reported by NBC News, marks a significant step in President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to curb the influx of narcotics from the South American nation.
According to the Daily Caller, military officials are focusing on dismantling drug labs and targeting cartel leadership. While President Trump has yet to give the green light for these operations, discussions are underway between U.S. and Venezuelan officials, facilitated by intermediaries from the Middle East.
This initiative would represent an escalation in Trump's military campaign against drug-related targets. Recently, the U.S. military targeted at least three Venezuelan boats suspected of carrying drugs, with Dominican Republic authorities confirming the presence of drugs in the water following one of the strikes.
President Trump, addressing the situation on Truth Social, stated, Well see what happens. Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. Its not acceptable.
The administration perceives Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as failing to adequately address drug trafficking issues. A senior official emphasized Trump's readiness to employ all facets of American power to halt the drug flow and hold those accountable. In support of these efforts, the U.S. has deployed eight ships with 4,000 personnel to the region and dispatched F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized a recent overture from Maduro seeking dialogue, reiterating the administration's stance on the illegitimacy of his regime. We view the Maduro regime as illegitimate, and the President has clearly shown that hes willing to use any and all means necessary to stop the illegal trafficking of deadly drugs from the Venezuelan regime into the United States of America, Leavitt stated.
The Justice Department's 2020 indictment of Maduro on drug trafficking charges remains active, with the reward for his capture recently increased to $50 million.
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