Amidst escalating tensions, concerns rise over potential threats to American tourists at luxury resorts if President Donald Trump proceeds with actions against Venezuela. The Trump administration’s recent targeting of narco-gangsters in response to suspected drug activities near Venezuelan waters has set the stage for heightened conflict in the Caribbean.
Under the banner of Operation Southern Spear, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced increased efforts to safeguard the US against narco-terrorism. Emphasizing the defense of American interests, the operation aims to eliminate threats posed by drug trafficking in the region.
President Trump’s focus on combating cartels responsible for trafficking opioids into the US has intensified, with a particular emphasis on ousting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of enabling cartel operations. Military strategist Mark Cancian highlighted potential strikes on cartel facilities and Maduro regime bases in the event of hostilities.
The presence of the US Navy, bolstered by assets like the USS Gerald R Ford, has bolstered American military capabilities in the Caribbean. While a sustained offensive could weaken the Maduro regime, the decentralized nature of cartels poses challenges due to their unpredictable behavior. Concerns linger about a possible “wild card” scenario where cartels target American civilians, posing a new dimension to the conflict.
Cancian warned of potential retaliatory actions by cartels against US interests, such as ambushing military convoys or attacking resorts housing American citizens. Any such attacks would likely prompt a robust response from President Trump, potentially escalating from air strikes to ground operations to neutralize the threat posed by the cartels.
The prospect of cartel attacks on American civilians could galvanize public support for decisive action against the cartels. However, uncertainties remain regarding public sentiment towards broader military intervention in Venezuela, given previous calls to limit US involvement in foreign conflicts.