Concerns have been raised about potential risks to American tourists at upscale resorts if President Donald Trump proceeds with actions against Venezuela, as per recent developments.
An escalation in the Caribbean is looming following the US government’s declaration of intent to combat narco-gangsters after engaging in lethal operations against suspected drug vessels near Venezuela’s coast. The aftermath of these strikes has resulted in numerous casualties, with bodies washing up on shores of nearby islands.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth unveiled Operation Southern Spear, a plan aimed at bolstering US defenses through increased measures. In a social media post on Twitter, he emphasized the mission’s goal of safeguarding the US, eliminating narco-terrorists in the region, and securing the nation from drug-related harm.
President Trump’s focus on combatting cartels responsible for trafficking dangerous substances like fentanyl into the US, resulting in numerous American deaths, has been long-standing. However, his stance on potentially removing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, accused of fostering cartel activities, has stirred controversy.
Mark Cancian, a retired US Marine Colonel and senior advisor, highlighted the likelihood of US strikes against both cartels and Maduro regime facilities should an attack on Venezuela occur.
The US Navy’s presence in the Caribbean, including the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, has significantly bolstered US military capabilities in the area. Cancian suggested potential targets for strikes, such as cartel-operated facilities like production sites and warehouses.
While the Maduro regime faces the risk of collapse under sustained military pressure, Cancian cautioned about the decentralized and unpredictable nature of cartels, posing a potential threat to American tourists through unexpected actions.
In a hypothetical scenario where cartels target American civilians or military personnel, Cancian suggested that Trump would likely respond with escalated attacks and ground operations to neutralize the threat.
The public reaction to potential US military actions against Venezuela remains uncertain, as many Americans supported Trump’s pledge to reduce US involvement in foreign conflicts during his reelection campaign.
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