UPDATE: President Donald Trump just announced a significant escalation in military operations against alleged drug traffickers in Venezuela, revealing plans for potential land strikes. During a press conference on Thursday, Trump confirmed that at least 37 alleged drug smugglers have been killed in extrajudicial operations over the past month, and warned that further actions may be imminent.
In a striking statement, Trump indicated uncertainty over whether he would seek congressional approval for these land attacks. When questioned about bypassing Congress, he bluntly stated, “I think we’re just gonna kill people. Okay? We’re gonna kill them. They’re gonna be, like, dead.” He added, “The land is going to be next,” emphasizing the administration’s aggressive stance.
The announcement comes on the heels of multiple military strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where U.S. forces recently killed three individuals on Wednesday, following another operation that resulted in two deaths on Tuesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed these operations, marking a decisive shift in the U.S. military’s strategy against drug trafficking, which has traditionally focused on maritime targets in the Caribbean Sea.
Hegseth drew a controversial parallel between these military actions and the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, stating, “Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people.” His remarks underscore the Trump administration’s framing of the drug crisis as a national security threat, akin to terrorism, and promote a narrative of justice without mercy.
This militaristic approach has raised alarm among lawmakers from both parties. Senator Mark Kelly expressed deep concerns on MSNBC, questioning the effectiveness of such military interventions and warning that they could endanger American lives rather than enhance security. “How often has regime change worked out well for the United States?” he asked, highlighting the historical failures of similar strategies.
Amid these tensions, Trump denied a report from the Wall Street Journal regarding the deployment of Air Force B-1 bombers near Venezuela, insisting that the U.S. is not escalating its military presence unnecessarily.
Critics have suggested that the heightened military operations could serve as a pretext for the Trump administration’s broader objective to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom Trump has labeled a “narco-terrorist.” As these developments unfold, the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations remain uncertain.
The urgency of these military actions, combined with the controversial rhetoric surrounding them, has ignited fierce debate about the legality and morality of bypassing Congress in matters of war. As the situation develops, the world watches closely to see how this aggressive stance will impact U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to evolve.
