Venezuela has embarked on a significant military endeavor, deploying 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia as part of an extensive operation intended to combat drug trafficking. This strategic move comes in conjunction with reports of increased U.S. naval presence in the southern Caribbean, aimed at addressing the growing influence of Latin American drug cartels.
During a press conference on Monday, Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of the Popular Power for Interior, announced the deployment intended to enhance security in the Zulia and Tachira states, areas that share a border with Colombia. “We are actively engaged in the fight against drug trafficking and criminal organizations,” Cabello stated while highlighting that 53 tonnes of drugs have already been seized this year.
The increase in military personnel aims to bolster operations involving aircraft, drones, and riverine security to ensure a robust defense against what the Venezuelan government describes as “criminal groups.” Minister Cabello has urged Colombian authorities to increase their border security to foster peace and stability across the region.
This militarization of the border comes on the heels of accusations from U.S. officials asserting that President Nicolás Maduro and other key figures, including Cabello, are linked to the Cartel de los Soles, a drug trafficking organization that the U.S. has classified as a terrorist group. The U.S. has heightened its efforts against Maduro, raising the reward for his capture on drug-related charges to million, while increasing the reward for Cabello from million to million.
President Maduro has publicly dismissed these allegations, suggesting that the U.S. is instigating a regime change in Venezuela. Responding to perceived threats, he has initiated a national call for militia recruitment to bolster national security. “We will persevere against the imperialist threats aimed at our peace and stability,” he asserted.
Parallel to this, the United States is reportedly sending additional naval forces, including the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie and the nuclear-powered submarine USS Newport News, to reinforce an amphibious squadron anticipated to arrive off Venezuela’s coast. According to sources, the squadron, which includes several other vessels, is fielding approximately 4,500 U.S. service members, comprising around 2,200 Marines. The intensification of U.S. military presence underscores the Trump administration’s focus on eradicating drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks across Latin America.
The developments along the Colombia-Venezuela border reflect broader dynamics in regional security, with both nations adopting measures aimed at controlling drug-related violence and maintaining territorial integrity, contributing to the ongoing narrative in Central and South American geopolitics.
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