The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated on Tuesday that U.S. military forces have sunk three vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean Sea originating from Venezuela.
"We sank ships. In fact, it was three ships, not two, but you saw two," the president declared from the White House before departing for the United Kingdom on a state visit.
Trump responded to a question from Diario ABC regarding the recent statements made by Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who accused him of preparing an invasion of Venezuela.
"Stop sending (members of) Tren de Aragua to the United States. Stop sending drugs to the United States," expressed Trump, referring to the Venezuelan criminal organization with international presence.
The Republican leader detailed that the third vessel was attacked after confirming it was transporting cocaine and fentanyl, although he did not specify when the operation took place.
The day before, I had reported on the attack on a boat in which three people died, whom he described as "terrorists."
Last week, the Venezuelan government reported that a U.S. destroyer "illegally" boarded a Venezuelan vessel with nine fishermen on board, in waters that Caracas considers part of its territory.
Until now, Washington had not issued an official response regarding that incident.
These events occur amidst growing tension between both countries, following the deployment of military forces by the United States in the Caribbean Sea, with the stated aim of combating drug trafficking.
The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns and offers a reward of 50 million dollars for information that leads to his capture, an accusation that the Venezuelan government rejects.
On Monday, Maduro warned that communications with Washington are "broken" and asserted that Venezuela is "better prepared" for a possible scenario of "armed struggle."
Frequently Asked Questions about Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela over Attacks on Vessels
Why did the United States sink Venezuelan vessels?
President Donald Trump stated that U.S. military forces sunk three Venezuelan vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean Sea. These actions are justified on the grounds of combating the flow of drugs into the United States. According to the U.S. government, these vessels were linked to criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua, which operate under the control of Nicolás Maduro's regime.
What has Donald Trump said about Nicolás Maduro's government?
Donald Trump has accused Nicolás Maduro's government of leading the so-called Cártel de los Soles, a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking. Furthermore, Trump holds a critical stance towards Maduro, viewing him as a narcoterrorist rather than a legitimate president. The U.S. administration has offered a reward of 50 million dollars for information that leads to his capture, which has been rejected by the Venezuelan government.
How has Venezuela responded to the actions of the United States?
The government of Nicolás Maduro has denounced the attacks as illegal actions and has accused the United States of fabricating incidents to justify sanctions and military operations in the Caribbean. Maduro has warned that communications with Washington are "broken" and has assured that Venezuela is "better prepared" for a possible scenario of armed struggle in defense of its territory.
What is the impact of these events on the relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela?
Military actions and mutual accusations have increased tension between both countries. The relationship is at one of its most critical points, with threats of direct military actions from the United States and warnings of armed defense from Venezuela. This situation has also generated concern in the region, given the risk of military escalation and its possible geopolitical consequences.
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