The White House heightened its rhetoric against the regime of Nicolás Maduro this Tuesday, openly labeling it a “narcoterrorist cartel” and stating that Donald Trump is prepared to use “every element of American power” to stop the influx of drugs into the country.
The spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded at a press conference to a journalist's question regarding the deployment of warships and 4,000 marines to the waters near Venezuela.
Although she avoided confirming a potential military intervention on the ground, the official was blunt in stating that “President Trump has been very clear and consistent”. He is prepared to use the full power of the United States to stop the drugs flooding our country and bring those responsible to justice.”
Leavitt emphasized that, for the Trump administration, the Chavista regime does not represent a legitimate government but a criminal network. “The Maduro regime is a narco-terrorist cartel. Maduro is not an illegitimate president; he is a fugitive leader of this cartel,” accused in the United States of trafficking drugs into our country.”
These statements come following an escalation of measures against the Venezuelan leader. Washington recently doubled the reward for information leading to his arrest, raising it to 50 million dollars, and designates him as the leader of the so-called "Cartel de los Soles", accused of operating in alliance with the Tren de Aragua, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and Mexican cartels.
The latest shift in Trump's strategy includes the deployment of three destroyers equipped with guided missiles, submarines, and reconnaissance aircraft in the Caribbean, marking one of the most aggressive military moves by the United States in the region in recent years.
From Caracas, Maduro and the military high command have rejected the accusations, claiming they represent an "imperial threat." The Venezuelan leader insists he will defend "seas, skies, and lands," while voices from the ruling party decry an attempt to justify an intervention.
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The possibility that pressure could lead to direct military actions keeps thousands of Cubans and Venezuelans both inside and outside their countries on edge, as they view these tensions as a factor that could reshape the continent's geopolitical landscape and worsen the migratory crisis already affecting their communities.
Frequently asked questions about the U.S. stance towards the Nicolás Maduro regime and drug trafficking
Why does the U.S. consider Nicolás Maduro a narco-terrorist?
The U.S. accuses Nicolás Maduro of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. According to U.S. authorities, this cartel, made up of high-ranking Venezuelan officials, uses its position to facilitate the shipment of drugs to the United States, collaborating with groups such as the Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.
What actions has the U.S. taken against Nicolás Maduro and his regime?
The U.S. has deployed military forces in the Caribbean and has raised the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to 50 million dollars. Washington has designated the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization and has sanctioned its leaders, freezing their assets and prohibiting transactions with them.
What does the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean imply?
The military deployment includes destroyers, submarines, and aircraft, and is part of a strategy to confront drug cartels that are regarded as terrorist organizations. This move aims to deter drug trafficking and exert pressure on the Maduro regime.
How can informants collaborate with the U.S. to capture Nicolás Maduro?
Individuals with information about Maduro can contact authorities through the official DEA portal or by calling +1-202-307-4228. The confidentiality of informants is guaranteed, and a reward of up to 50 million dollars is offered for information that leads to his capture.
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