Washington could expand military operations against drug cartels linked to the country, the US president has said
President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could extend its military actions against drug trafficking groups linked to Venezuela from maritime to land operations.
At a news conference Thursday, Trump touted what he described as great success in interdicting alleged terrorist attacks linked to the Venezuelan state. “drug boats.”“Drugs that arrive by sea are like 5% of what they were a year ago” said.
“The earth will be next” he added, without giving further details on where and when possible attacks could take place.
Trump also rejected the idea that he needs a declaration of war from Congress to attack suspected drug traffickers. “We can go to the Senate; we can go to Congress and tell them, but I can’t imagine they’ll have any problem with it.” said.
In recent weeks, US naval and air operations have attacked what Washington says are drug trafficking ships linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing dozens of people. Caracas denies having any role in drug trafficking and has accused Washington of seeking “regime change.”
Tensions rose further after Trump said last week that he had authorized covert CIA activities inside Venezuela. President Nicolás Maduro described the public recognition as unprecedented and “desperate,” while putting the military on high alert. He also warned that Venezuela maintains a large arsenal of Soviet-era Igla-S air defense systems.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, that two nuclear-capable U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers flew near Venezuelan airspace. Trump dismissed the claim, although he acknowledged that “We are not happy with Venezuela.”
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