President Donald Trump responded this Sunday regarding the possibility of an attack on the Cartel of the Suns in Venezuela.
In response to a journalist's question about whether he considers an attack on the cartels within Venezuela, Trump replied tersely, "You'll find out."
The Cartel of the Suns vs Trump
The Cartel of the Suns, allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking Chavista officials, has been included in the list of terrorist organizations, and the United States is offering a reward of 50 million dollars for their capture.
In addition to the destroyers, nuclear submarines, and amphibious squadrons already deployed in the region, the arrival of the F-35s introduces a different dimension, as these aircraft are designed for high-intensity operations and are not typically assigned to drug interdiction missions.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense sent 10 F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico for "anti-drug" operations as part of the campaign against the Cartel of the Suns.
The deployment occurs amid the operation ordered by Donald Trump to combat organizations that the White House has classified as "narcoterrorists."
In addition to the destroyers, nuclear submarines, and amphibious squadrons already deployed in the region, the arrival of the F-35s introduces a different dimension, as these aircraft have been designed for high-intensity operations and are not typically assigned to drug interdiction missions.
Trump authorized the military forces to shoot down Venezuelan aircraft if they harass American ships deployed in international waters of the Caribbean.
The instruction was issued following an incident involving two F-16 fighters from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces that flew at low altitude over the USS Jason Dunham destroyer. The Pentagon described the maneuver as "highly provocative."
In response, Maduro announced that Venezuela would enter a stage of "planned armed struggle" in the event of aggression, and emphasized the mobilization of millions of militiamen for the defense of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tension Between the United States and Venezuela
What is the Cartel of the Suns and why is it under scrutiny from the United States?
The Cartel of the Suns is a criminal network linked to drug trafficking, allegedly led by high-ranking officials of the Venezuelan government, including Nicolás Maduro. The United States has designated it as a terrorist organization and is offering 50 million dollars for the capture of Maduro. This organization is accused of trafficking cocaine to the United States and Europe, in collusion with other international criminal groups.
Why has the United States deployed military forces in the Caribbean?
The military deployment of the United States in the Caribbean, which includes F-35 fighters and warships, is part of an operation to combat drug trafficking in the region. The goal is to halt the flow of drugs into U.S. territory and to pressure the regime of Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a narcoterrorist cartel. These measures aim to strengthen national security and deter criminal activities in the Caribbean.
What has Donald Trump said about a possible attack on the Cártel de los Soles in Venezuela?
In response to the question of whether he considers an attack on the cartels within Venezuela, Donald Trump replied enigmatically: “You will find out”. This statement, along with the military presence in the region, suggests that the United States is evaluating its options to confront the Cártel de los Soles, although specific actions have not been confirmed.
How has Venezuela responded to the escalation of tensions with the United States?
Nicolás Maduro has announced that Venezuela is prepared for a "planned armed struggle" in the event of a military aggression from the United States. Maduro has mobilized militias and soldiers to defend the country, labeling U.S. actions as an imperialist threat. Furthermore, he has kept communication channels open with the U.S., although relations are tense.
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