Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated again following recent statements by President Donald Trump, who said that Nicolás Maduro’s «days are numbered», without ruling out military intervention in Venezuela. The statements were made during an interview with Politico, where the president avoided answering directly whether he is considering sending ground troops, arguing that it is a “military strategy” about which he cannot reveal information.
Trump’s statements come amid the deployment of Operation Southern Spear, the largest U.S. military offensive in the Caribbean in years, aimed at combating drug trafficking and so-called narco-terrorism.
Trump accuses Maduro of sending criminals to the United States
During the interview, Trump claimed that the Venezuelan dictatorship had sent people linked to criminal activities to the United States, including:
- Individuals from Venezuelan prisons.
- People released from psychiatric institutions.
- Individuals linked to drug trafficking networks.
The president highlighted the role of the Tren de Aragua, which he described as an organization that has expanded across the continent and maintains links with the Cartel de los Soles. Trump claimed that his administration inherited a weakened border system and blamed Joe Biden’s government for the lack of immigration control.
All this came as the president reiterated that he would not publicly discuss details of military strategies and criticized the media for what he considers “hostile” coverage.
Trump’s relationship with the Venezuelan diaspora in Florida
When asked about Washington’s objectives in Venezuela, Trump stated that he wants «the Venezuelan people to be treated well». He mentioned his relationship with Venezuelan communities in Florida, especially in Doral, where he owns a luxury resort.
Trump recalled that he received strong support from Venezuelan voters in the United States, which, he said, influenced his immigration stance: to prioritize the entry of people who “contribute” to the country.
These statements were made as military tension in the region grows due to the advance of Operation Southern Spear.
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Operation Southern Spear: The largest US military deployment in the Caribbean since 2003
The military offensive, announced on November 13, 2025, aims to combat illicit drug trafficking and narco-terrorism and reinforce the US military presence in the Western Hemisphere.
Composition of the military deployment
- The operation is led by the Southern Command and includes:
- The aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, which arrived in the Caribbean around November 11.
- A strike group consisting of destroyers, a cruiser, a submarine, and P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
- Approximately 15,000 troops, including 4,000 Marines.
- Naval interdiction actions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
According to the Pentagon, the operation began informally in August and received its official name in November.
Venezuela responds with the deployment of 200,000 military personnel.
Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship described the operation as a “war escalation” and announced the deployment of 200,000 military personnel to “defend” the country. The regime warned of possible incidents on maritime routes used by US forces, increasing the risk of a direct clash.
Caracas maintains that the presence of the aircraft carrier and the mobilization of marines constitute a threat to regional stability.
US confirms attacks on vessels linked to drug trafficking
As part of the operation, the United States confirmed several attacks on vessels that, according to the Pentagon, were involved in drug trafficking activities.
Notable incidents reported
- November 1, 2025: clash that left three dead.
- November 14, 2025: another operation with four fatalities.
Washington maintains that the destroyed vessels were transporting narcotics on routes identified by intelligence agencies as trafficking corridors.
Allied countries such as Mexico implemented protocols for interceptions in international waters to be carried out by their own authorities, in order to avoid violations of international law.
