In a significant development, American military strategists have reportedly compiled a list of targets in Venezuela, poised for action pending President Donald Trump's directive.
This revelation, as detailed in a recent ABC report, highlights a strategic focus on ports, airports, and other state-controlled facilities allegedly utilized by drug cartels.
According to Western Journal, Senate Republicans were briefed on this classified list, underscoring the Trump administration's escalating pressure on Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro. The briefing, coupled with the deployment of approximately 10,000 troops in the region, has intensified speculation about potential military strikes. Despite the heightened anticipation, President Trump signaled on Friday that an immediate attack was not forthcoming.
The Miami Herald has characterized these potential strikes as imminent, with the Soles drug cartel identified as a primary target. The cartel is accused of trafficking around 500 tons of cocaine annually to the United States and Europe. The report suggests that dismantling the cartel's leadership is a central objective of the proposed military action.
A source noted, "Maduro is about to find himself trapped and might soon discover that he cannot flee the country even if he decided to," adding that there are generals ready to capture him.
U.S. administration officials assert that recent operations against drug-laden fast boats have made traffickers wary of maritime routes, necessitating a shift in focus to land-based operations. While regime change remains a possibility, an administration source downplayed this outcome, likening the strategy to targeted operations such as the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
In a statement from October, President Trump confirmed his authorization of "covert operations" within Venezuela. The Daily Mail has highlighted Secretary of State Marco Rubio's influential role in shaping U.S. policy towards Venezuela.
Rubio recently remarked, "You have a narco-state in Venezuela run by a cartel," and emphasized the need to address what he described as "an operation against narco-terrorists, the al Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere."
As the situation unfolds, the Trump administration's approach appears to be one of calculated precision, targeting specific threats while avoiding broader regime change. This strategy reflects a commitment to safeguarding American interests and combating the pervasive influence of drug cartels in the region.
The potential for military action remains a critical point of discussion, with the administration poised to act decisively should the need arise.
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