LunagisthubUS Military Operations in Venezuela: What’s at Stake
The US government has been escalating its military presence in the Caribbean, with President Donald Trump reportedly briefed on options for military operations in Venezuela. This development comes amid a significant buildup of US naval forces in the region, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier strike
Operation Southern Spear is a military operation planned by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking and dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations. The operation involves a Joint Task Force and SOUTHCOM working together to defend the US homeland and secure its borders from drug trafficking.
The options presented to Trump include
targeting military or government facilities and drug trafficking routes
attempting to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power
maintaining a diplomatic approach
However, Trump remains cautious about military intervention, aware of the potential risks and lack of clear legal justification for land attacks.
The US military buildup has sparked concerns among international law experts and some US allies, who question the legality of the strikes against vessels in international waters. Critics argue that the anti-drug campaign might be a cover for regime change efforts .
In response to the US military buildup, Venezuela has ordered a “massive deployment” of its forces and put its entire military arsenal on full operational readiness, announcing a state of maximum alert. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has also announced plans for a guerrilla-style resistance in the event of a US air or ground attack .
The trajectory of escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela will likely depend on the unfolding of Operation Southern Spear and Maduro’s response in the coming weeks. Will the situation escalate into a full-blown conflict, or can a diplomatic solution be found? Only time will tell.
Lunagisthub
