Tag Archives: drug-trafficking

Trump: U.S. is open to ‘having some discussions with Maduro’ amid military activity surrounding Venezuela

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OAN Staff Blake Wolf 11: 16 AM Monday, November 17, 2025 President Donald Trump has indicated openness to discussions with socialist Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as the United States continues its military buildup in the Caribbean. While speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of boarding Air Force One. He indicated openness to diplomatic engagement with the Venezuelan president amid heightened U. S. military deployments in the Caribbean, including the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and ongoing strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels linked to Venezuelan cartels. President Trump left the door open for diplomacy, while also keeping the option of military force on the table. In addition, the GOP Commander-in-Chief noted that his administration is set to designate the “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), explaining that the U. S. believes it is run by Maduro-an action that allows the United States to target his assets or infrastructure legally. The U. S. State Department stated it “intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24, 2025.” This action, under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enables the U. S. to use military force against the group’s assets without a formal declaration of war, including targeting infrastructure linked to drug trafficking or terrorism. “It allows us to do that,” Trump stated, referencing the Venezuelan FTO designation. “But we haven’t said we’re going to do that blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments! Sponsored Content Below Share this post!.
https://www.oann.com/newsroom/trump-u-s-is-open-to-having-some-discussions-with-maduro-amid-military-activity-surrounding-venezuela/

US strikes 5th vessel off Venezuelan coast, killing 6

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**US Strikes Fifth Vessel Off Venezuelan Coast, Killing Six**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 15, 2025, 12:31 PM*

The United States has struck another vessel off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in the deaths of six people. This marks the fifth such incident since September, occurring amid President Donald Trump’s intensified war on drugs.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that the targeted vessel belonged to “narcoterrorists” involved in trafficking narcotics. He also shared an aerial surveillance video showing the moment of impact.

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### Escalation of Conflict

The Pentagon has classified the suspected smugglers as “unlawful combatants,” labeling them as non-state armed groups and terrorist organizations. This designation follows a leaked memo to Congress, which stated that the U.S. is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels.

The memo also highlighted ongoing tensions with Venezuela, including accusations against President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused of facilitating drug trafficking operations.

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### Legal and Political Concerns

The U.S. government positions these strikes as acts of self-defense against drug traffickers. However, legal experts have raised concerns about the legitimacy of such military actions in international waters.

Critics argue that these operations could form part of a broader political strategy aimed at exerting military pressure on Maduro’s government. Notably, the strikes follow the U.S. announcement of a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest on drug-trafficking charges.

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### Rising Diplomatic Tensions

Venezuela has strongly condemned the U.S. strikes, with President Maduro denying any involvement in drug trafficking. Maduro has also threatened to declare a state of emergency if the country were to face military attacks from the U.S.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly since President Trump authorized military actions against suspected drug boats linked to Venezuelan gang members.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-military-kills-6-people-in-5th-caribbean-strike-trump/story