The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Tuesday that U.S. attacks against drug trafficking cartels within Venezuelan territory will begin "very soon," a declaration that significantly escalates regional tension following a military operation in the Caribbean that has resulted in over 80 deaths since September.
During a meeting with his cabinet at the White House, Trump stated that Washington is ready to carry the offensive from the sea to the mainland, asserting that U.S. forces are familiar with “the routes, the houses, and the hideouts” of drug traffickers.
“Let’s put an end to those sons of bitches,” declared the leader, in one of his most direct and aggressive responses on the matter.
"On land, it's much easier. We know where the bad guys live. And we're going to start with that very soon," he reiterated.
Trump warns: any country that sends drugs to the U.S. “is subject to attacks.”
The president also issued a broad warning to other countries in the region, stating that anyone who produces or traffics drugs to the United States could be subject to military action.
When asked specifically about Colombia, one of the world's leading cocaine producers, Trump replied: "Anyone who produces it and sells it in our country is subject to being attacked. Colombia has entire factories of cocaine... not just Venezuela."
These statements represent a radical shift in traditional diplomatic tone and raise questions about potential unilateral military actions in Latin America.
Growing controversy over attacks in the Caribbean
Trump's statements come amid a strong controversy over a second attack against an alleged drug boat during a military operation in the Caribbean in September.
The White House defended the action on Monday, explaining that it was ordered by Vice Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who acted “within his authority and the law.”
However, the case has drawn bipartisan scrutiny following an investigation by The Washington Post, which revealed that then-Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth allegedly issued a verbal order to "kill everyone" on board the vessel.
Legal experts have warned that if the execution of survivors from the first attack had taken place, the U.S. military would have committed an international crime.
Uncertain regional scenario
The threats of ground incursions in Venezuela create an unprecedented scenario: the risk of direct military confrontation in South American territory; impact on Washington's allies, such as Colombia; likely reactions from regional governments, including countries with prior tensions with the United States; and an increase in international pressure over potential violations of sovereignty.
So far, no U.S. official has outlined how, when, or under what legal framework such attacks would be carried out.
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