The U.S. President continues to prioritize combating narcotics, despite what he describes as the dismantling of a major drug trafficking organization with the capture of Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Venezuela. The President stated in a FoxNews interview that his administration has “eradicated 97% of the drugs that enter by water and now we are going to start attacking by land.”
Expanding Operations
The President did not detail where these land-based attacks might occur, or their scope. He indicated the possibility of further operations in Venezuela or military intervention in Mexico, stating, “As for the cartels, they control Mexico.” He described the situation in Mexico as “very sad,” noting that between 250,000 and 300,000 people are killed there each year.
The President frequently cites the 250,000 to 300,000 figure when discussing deaths related to drugs in the U.S., though most fatalities are attributed to fentanyl and other opioids manufactured in Mexico using chemical components imported from China.
Military Action and International Response
The U.S. has undertaken military action as part of its declared war on narcotics. Since September, approximately thirty vessels suspected of being drug-running “narcolanchas” have been bombed in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, resulting in over 110 deaths. These operations were conducted without judicial order or Congressional mandate.
On Saturday, a military operation was launched in Caracas, leading to the capture of former President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who have been transported to New York to face charges related to narcoterrorism.
The President revealed plans to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week, who is expected to visit Washington. He expressed openness to sharing the Nobel Peace Prize she received last November, stating, “I heard she wants to do it. It would be a great honor. I did eight wars.” He also acknowledged being displeased that Machado, and not he, received the prize.
The President, who is abstemious and has spoken of his opposition to drugs following the loss of his brother to alcoholism, stated, “Drugs are horrible. It’s devastating. Families often lose a son or a father. That is, parents also die from drugs. So we’ve done a great job. We are reducing it. The numbers are becoming too high if there is only one person, but they are decreasing, just like the border.”
The President did not specify which border he referenced, but it is presumed to be the U.S.-Mexico border. He described the border as having been “a total disaster” and now being “very closed,” claiming “no one can enter. No one comes, no one tries.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized “collaboration” and “communication” in recent statements, advocating for a “shared responsibility” and urging the U.S. to prevent the flow of weapons into Mexico. She also reiterated, through a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the importance of “respect for international law, as well as the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did the U.S. take against Nicolás Maduro?
The U.S. military launched a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They have been transported to New York to face charges related to narcoterrorism.
What percentage of drugs entering the U.S. does the President claim to have stopped?
The President stated his administration has “eradicated 97% of the drugs that enter by water.”
What is Mexico’s response to the U.S. actions?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for “collaboration” and “communication” and emphasized a “shared responsibility” in addressing the drug trade, specifically requesting the U.S. prevent weapons from entering Mexico.
Given the President’s stated intention to expand operations against drug trafficking, what potential challenges or escalations might arise in the region?
Keep reading