U.S. signals land interdictions 'very soon' as Maduro vows to resist amid Caribbean buildup
The U.S. has massed a large naval and air force in the Caribbean — including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, multiple destroyers and amphibious ships, a nuclear‑powered attack submarine, B‑52s, F‑35s and AC‑130s — under "Operation Southern Spear" to target suspected drug‑smuggling vessels in a campaign of roughly 20–22 maritime strikes that U.S. officials say has killed about 80 people. President Trump has signaled the effort may expand to "strikes on land very soon" (and has not ruled out ground troops), prompting legal and congressional pushback and regional tension as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro vows resistance, mobilizes forces and protests the U.S. buildup.
📌 Key Facts
- The U.S. has mounted a major military buildup in the Caribbean and eastern Caribbean littoral centered on Puerto Rico and SOUTHCOM, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group (now in the SOUTHCOM AOR and described as within striking distance of Venezuela), roughly a dozen Navy ships (destroyers, cruisers, amphibious assault/transport ships), at least one nuclear‑powered attack submarine, and roughly 12,000–15,000 U.S. service members afloat and ashore.
- U.S. forces operating in the theater include long‑range bombers (B‑52s), B‑52/B‑1 patrols, deployed F‑35s (about ten to Puerto Rico), MQ‑9 drones, AC‑130 gunships, helicopter and special‑operations aviation, and carrier air‑wing squadrons — and open‑source tracking has shown flights and patrols near Venezuela’s coast.
- The Pentagon has named the campaign Operation Southern Spear and frames it as a counter‑narco/‘narco‑terrorism’ mission to detect, monitor and disrupt transnational criminal organizations; the administration has tied several maritime strikes to groups like Tren de Aragua and is pursuing designations such as Cartel de los Soles.
- Since early September U.S. forces have struck suspected drug‑smuggling vessels in the region (reporting varies), with about 20–22 maritime strikes and roughly 80–83 people killed; the strikes have generated legal and political controversy, congressional scrutiny, allied criticism, and concerns about evidence that those killed were ‘narcoterrorists.’
- Legal and institutional fallout includes early/accelerated retirement or resignation of SOUTHCOM leader Adm. Alvin Holsey amid reported objections to the strikes, consultations and alarm among service members about personal legal risk, and Senate questions about the legal basis and a secret list of targeted organizations.
- President Trump has publicly signaled an expansion beyond maritime strikes — saying the U.S. will begin stopping suspected traffickers 'by land' 'very soon,' has not ruled out deploying ground troops and ordered Venezuelan airspace treated as closed — comments that prompted warnings from U.S. lawmakers (War Powers invocation threats) and diplomatic pushback from regional governments.
- Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has vowed to resist, mobilized large military exercises/forces (reports of ~200,000 involved and preparations for 'prolonged resistance' guerrilla tactics), taken legal steps against opposition figures, and denounced U.S. actions as a fabricated or hostile provocation; Caracas has nonetheless signaled willingness to talk, and both leaders have reportedly spoken by phone.
- Regional and international reactions are mixed: some partners (e.g., Trinidad & Tobago leadership) have cooperated with U.S. activities and hosted port calls/training, while there have been protests locally, threats from Caracas to cancel energy accords, criticism from allies (France) and calls for diplomacy from figures including the Pope; U.S. public polling shows most Americans oppose broader military action and want congressional approval.
📊 Relevant Data
The cocaine that moves through Venezuela likely accounts for less than 10 percent of the supply of the drug that enters the United States.
Venezuela Doesn’t Produce Fentanyl. Trump Is Targeting It Anyway. — The New York Times
Cocaine accounts for about 90% of the drugs moving through Venezuela to the US, with little to no fentanyl.
Drug boats from Venezuela are mainly moving cocaine to Europe, not fentanyl to US — NBC News
In 2023, the fentanyl overdose death rate for Black Americans was 35.0 per 100,000, over 50% higher than the national average of approximately 23 per 100,000, while Black Americans comprise about 13.6% of the US population.
From 2021 to 2023, overdose deaths among Black and Indigenous Americans increased, with Black overdose death rates rising to 1.4 times that of White Americans by 2022, while deaths among White people decreased.
Overdose deaths are rising among Black and Indigenous Americans — Stateline
The Venezuelan immigrant population in the United States was approximately 814,080 in 2023, representing about 0.2% of the total US population.
Venezuelan Americans — Wikipedia
📊 Analysis & Commentary (8)
"A skeptical Politico Playbook take arguing that Miami’s MAGA-aligned constituencies are a key driver of the Trump administration’s hawkish Venezuela posture — naval buildups, maritime strikes and talk of land interdictions — and that political signaling to that bloc risks diplomatic fallout, legal questions and humanitarian costs."
"A critical Wall Street Journal editorial argues the large U.S. military buildup and rhetoric around Venezuela—framed as counter‑narco operations—amount to an implicit push for Maduro’s ouster, warns the approach is disproportionate and risky, and cautions the President could lose politically if Maduro is not removed."
"An alarmed critique arguing that U.S. maritime strikes, force deployments, and talk of imminent 'land interdictions' near Venezuela amount to a reckless escalation—framed as counternarcotics but driven by politics and weak oversight—that risks regional destabilization and could devolve into open conflict."
"The column interprets recent U.S. military pressure on Venezuela — maritime strikes and a Caribbean buildup — as a deliberate strategic move by the Trump administration to undercut Russian influence and gain leverage that could help end the war in Ukraine."
"An opinion piece endorsing President Trump’s tougher military and economic posture toward Nicolás Maduro — arguing Venezuela is a narco‑state aligned with U.S. adversaries, that prior pressure worked, that Biden-era easing emboldened Maduro, and that sustained interdiction and force are justified — commenting on recent U.S. Caribbean military buildup and maritime strikes."
"A skeptical critique arguing that the U.S. maritime strike campaign and the administration’s talk of imminent land interdictions near Venezuela represent risky mission creep — with heavy civilian costs, legal and diplomatic problems, and likely regional blowback rather than a straightforward counter‑drug success."
"An opinion piece arguing that the Trump administration’s military and law‑enforcement moves toward Venezuela reflect a drive for dominance and resource leverage rather than a principled effort to liberate Venezuelans, warning of legal, diplomatic and strategic blowback."
"The (audio) analysis is a perspective/deep-dive on civil‑military tradeoffs — arguing that the administration’s maritime strike campaign and talk of land interdictions (as reported in the U.S. Caribbean buildup story) risk mission creep, legal and diplomatic blowback, and that military action must be subordinated to clear political objectives, oversight, and a multinational strategy."
📰 Sources (55)
- New angle: service members’ personal legal risk concerns have prompted consultations with outside groups (GI Rights Hotline; Orders Project).
- Confirms participation by roles such as a drone pilot and staff officers amid a campaign that has killed 80+ and struck 20+ boats, intensifying internal legal unease.
- Two U.S. F/A-18s flew for roughly 30 minutes over the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday in the closest known approach to Venezuelan airspace to date.
- Flight tracks were observed on Flightradar24; a U.S. defense official described it as a routine training mission to demonstrate operational reach.
- The jets remained entirely in international airspace; no disclosure on whether they were armed.
- This marks a step beyond prior B-52 and B-1 coastal flights, which did not approach as closely.
- At a Tuesday Cabinet meeting, President Trump said: "I want those boats taken out, and if we have to, we'll attack on land also."
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared with Trump and "gave new details" about the strikes on alleged drug boats (details not specified in the clip).
- Pope Leo XIV publicly urged the U.S. to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic pressure over military action in Venezuela, warning of the risk of an invasion or operation.
- He said signals from the U.S. administration appear mixed and expressed concern about rising tensions.
- The article reports that in a recent Trump–Maduro phone call, Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Maduro surrender power, which Maduro refused while seeking a 'global amnesty.'
- Pope Leo said the Holy See is working behind the scenes in peace efforts so 'all parties may lay down arms.'
- Trump, at a Cabinet meeting, explicitly said the U.S. will begin 'strikes on land' against alleged drug traffickers 'very soon' and described land targets as 'much easier.'
- He broadened the prospective target set beyond Venezuela, saying any country where drugs are produced or trafficked is 'subject to attack' and singled out Colombia.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that any land attack 'would be an act of war' and that Congress would invoke the War Powers Act.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded, defending Colombia’s efforts and warning the U.S. not to 'threaten our sovereignty,' saying such threats would 'awaken the jaguar.'
- Trump said land strikes could start 'very soon' and added 'Not just Venezuela,' explicitly suggesting Colombia could see U.S. action.
- Trump framed potential targets as countries manufacturing/selling fentanyl or cocaine into the U.S.
- Pope Leo XVI urged dialogue and economic pressure over military threats regarding Venezuela.
- Pope Leo XIV publicly urged the U.S. to seek dialogue and economic pressure rather than threaten military action against Venezuela.
- He delivered the remarks to reporters Tuesday aboard a flight to Rome after visiting Turkey and Lebanon.
- Direct quote: “I believe it’s better to look for ways of dialogue, perhaps pressure, including economic pressure, but looking for other ways to change, if that’s what the United States wants to do.”
- Trump’s new post tells airlines and pilots to treat Venezuelan airspace as 'closed in its entirety,' escalating pressure alongside prior hints of land operations.
- NYT reports Trump and Maduro held a phone call last week discussing a possible meeting despite continued U.S. threats.
- Highlights likely travel and commercial disruption as a consequence of the statement.
- Trump told U.S. service members on Thanksgiving that the U.S. will begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land 'very soon' and claimed maritime operations have halted an estimated 85% of sea-borne drugs.
- Maduro delivered a defiant rally in Caracas brandishing Simón Bolívar’s sword, urging troops and civilians to prepare to defend 'every inch' of the country against 'imperialist aggression.'
- Reuters reporting cited by Fox News describes heightened surveillance and security crackdowns in Venezuelan coastal communities after months of U.S. maritime strikes.
- Trump said he has not ruled out sending U.S. troops to Venezuela while also leaving open the possibility of talks with Maduro.
- President Trump said the U.S. will 'very soon' begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers 'by land,' signaling an expansion beyond maritime strikes.
- Trump claimed 'about 85%' of trafficking has been stopped by sea, framing maritime operations as largely effective.
- Reiterated he does not rule out sending U.S. ground troops to Venezuela (from Nov. 17 remarks).
- NPR reports roughly 15,000 U.S. troops are aboard the warships deployed near Venezuela.
- Characterizes the naval presence as the largest U.S. flotilla in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Notes Trump said he is open to talks with Maduro while also signaling his 'days are numbered,' underscoring parallel pressure and outreach.
- Pentagon advisory: Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and SEAC David Isom will travel to Puerto Rico Nov. 24 to engage with troops and sailors supporting regional missions.
- The visit underscores continuing U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean tied to Operation Southern Spear.
- CBS News/YouGov poll finds most Americans oppose potential U.S. military action in Venezuela.
- About three in four say President Trump would need congressional approval before taking military action in Venezuela (including just over half of Republicans).
- Only about one in five Americans have heard a lot about the U.S. military buildup.
- Current maritime strikes on suspected drug boats are narrowly approved overall (just over half), with support driven by Republicans; Americans want to see evidence of drugs on targeted boats.
- Most Americans do not think U.S. military action in Venezuela would change the amount of drugs entering the U.S.
- Within the GOP, MAGA Republicans are more supportive of potential military action than non‑MAGA Republicans.
- President Trump said he does not rule out sending U.S. ground troops into Venezuela (“I don’t rule out anything”).
- Approximate force level: about 15,000 U.S. troops at sea and on land in the region, including in Puerto Rico.
- U.S. F-35 jets have been flying near‑continuously over Puerto Rico this week.
- Updated strike/casualty figures: at least 22 vessels targeted and 83 people killed since September.
- USS Gerald R. Ford is described as within striking distance of Venezuela; operations include activity at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station.
- Maduro publicly invited direct talks with the U.S., saying 'Face-to-face' and urging diplomacy on his Monday TV program.
- Trump said he is willing to talk with Maduro while not ruling out deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela.
- CBS reports the USS Gerald R. Ford is 'within striking distance' as of Tuesday morning, with about 15,000 U.S. troops at sea and on land in Puerto Rico and F-35s flying nearly around the clock.
- Article reiterates at least 22 U.S. maritime strikes with at least 83 fatalities and notes movement to designate Cartel de los Soles as an FTO.
- USS Gerald R. Ford is now positioned off Venezuela’s coast as of Sunday.
- Additional U.S. ships identified in the area: USS Wichita (north of Cuba) and USS Lake Erie (near St. Thomas).
- CSIS estimates roughly 185 Tomahawk missiles are available in theater.
- At least 83 people have been killed in 20+ U.S. maritime strikes since September; no U.S. forces harmed.
- Trump said Friday he has 'sort of' decided how to proceed and on Sunday indicated potential talks with Maduro.
- Trump indicated the administration may engage in discussions with Maduro as the deployment continues.
- Quote suggests Caracas has signaled willingness to talk (“They would like to talk”).
- SOUTHCOM said Sunday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to support the President’s directive against transnational criminal organizations.
- SOUTHCOM Commander Adm. Alvin Holsey said the Ford’s deployment is a 'critical step' to protect Western Hemisphere security and the American homeland.
- SOUTHCOM announced on social media an additional suspected drug-boat strike on Saturday, bringing the tally to what is believed to be 21 strikes.
- President Trump told reporters Friday he has 'sort of made up' his mind on how to proceed with Venezuela and said Sunday there may be discussions with Nicolás Maduro.
- U.S. Southern Command posted video of a Saturday strike in the eastern Pacific that killed three; cumulative tally now at least 83 killed in 21 attacks since early September.
- Carrier strike group’s transit specifically through the Anegada Passage was confirmed with quotes from Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta and theater commander Adm. Alvin Holsey.
- Holsey is slated to retire next month after about a year in the role.
- Trinidad and Tobago officials said joint 'training exercises' with U.S. forces (including Marines from the 22nd MEU embarked on Navy ships) are underway this week — the second such exercise in less than a month.
- Venezuela criticized the exercises as an act of aggression; Trinidad’s prime minister has publicly supported the U.S. strikes.
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said the U.S. is reactivating its jungle school in Panama and highlighted growing focus on Latin America on Face the Nation.
- Navy says the Ford carrier strike group transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands on Sunday morning.
- New on‑record statements: SOUTHCOM commander Adm. Alvin Holsey called the deployment a 'critical step' to protect the Western Hemisphere; CSG commander Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta framed the mission as countering 'narco‑terrorism.'
- Updated strike tally: at least 21 vessels targeted over the past two months with about 80 people killed.
- White House has held multiple days of meetings on Venezuela options; President Trump said he has 'sort of' decided on next steps, with options presented including possible land strikes.
- Venezuela announced a nationwide military exercise reportedly involving about 200,000 forces.
+ 35 more sources