U.S. Escalates Caribbean Strikes: Trump Signals Possible Ground Action in Venezuela
After four recent military operations in the Caribbean, Washington has hit another vessel off Venezuela’s coast, claiming it was carrying illegal drugs. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. might now move its “war on cartels” onto land.
Tensions are rising in the Caribbean as the United States intensifies its military campaign against what it calls “narco-terrorists.” The U.S. Navy has struck another vessel allegedly transporting narcotics near Venezuelan waters. Speaking at Naval Station Norfolk beside the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, President Donald Trump praised the Navy’s actions and hinted at possible land operations, declaring, “We blew another one out of the water last night. They’re not coming by sea anymore — so we’ll have to look on land.”
U.S. broadens its anti-narcotics campaign
The latest strike is believed to be the fourth or fifth such operation in recent weeks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Fox News interview that he had “every authorization needed” to carry out attacks in Caribbean waters.
On X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth claimed the targeted boat was “carrying substantial amounts of narcotics headed to America to poison our people.” He released a 40-second video showing the vessel being hit by a swarm of projectiles before exploding, but provided no evidence of what drugs were allegedly on board or who the crew members were.
Moscow denounces U.S. escalation
Russia condemned the U.S. strike that killed four people near Venezuela, warning it could destabilize the entire region.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil by phone on Sunday, expressing “serious concern about Washington’s escalating actions in the Caribbean Sea that could have far-reaching consequences.” Moscow reaffirmed its “full support and solidarity with the leadership and people of Venezuela.”
Maduro vows resistance
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded with defiance in a video posted on Telegram shortly after Trump’s remarks.
“Our people have never — and will never — fear defending their right to live and be free. We are ready to face any scenario,” he said.
Maduro has also appealed to Pope Leo XIV for help in “consolidating peace” in Venezuela, according to Foreign Minister Gil, who confirmed that the Vatican expressed solidarity with Caracas.
Washington redefines its war
Trump’s administration formally informed Congress that drug cartels are now considered “unlawful combatants,” placing the U.S. in what it calls a “non-international armed conflict” with them.
Speaking at the White House, Trump claimed the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean had stopped drug trafficking from South America entirely. “There are no drugs coming in by sea anymore. Now we’ll see what Phase Two looks like,” he said.
Caracas accuses U.S. of provocation
Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez said last week that five U.S. jets had approached the country’s coastline, describing the move as “a vulgar provocation and a threat to national security.” The Venezuelan government has repeatedly accused Washington of trying to undermine its sovereignty and topple Maduro’s administration.
Legal questions mount
U.S. officials argue that the operations are grounded in self-defense, constitutional war powers, and international law governing unlawful combatants. Yet legal experts warn that using lethal force in international waters against alleged criminals bypasses due process and lacks a clear legal basis under both U.S. and international law.
