Trump Signals Imminent Launch of U.S. Anti-Gang Operations in Venezuela

Former President Donald Trump has declared that U.S. land operations targeting violent drug gangs in Venezuela will begin “very soon,” escalating his long-running rhetoric against criminal organizations he accuses of fueling instability across the region.

Speaking at a public event, Trump described the planned campaign as a necessary step to dismantle what he called a network of “dangerous, well-armed narcotics groups” operating with impunity. He offered few specifics about the scope of the operation but said it would involve coordinated action aimed at “taking down the worst of the worst.”

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with both governments trading accusations over migration, security threats, and the presence of armed groups near Venezuela’s borders. Trump’s comments suggest a far more aggressive posture than the one currently maintained by U.S. officials.

Analysts say it remains unclear how such operations would be carried out, particularly given the lack of formal diplomatic or military coordination between the two countries. Any ground-based mission would likely raise questions about legal authority, regional reaction, and the risk of a broader confrontation.

Despite the uncertainty, Trump’s announcement has immediately intensified debate in Washington. Supporters argue that criminal syndicates in Venezuela pose a growing threat to the U.S. and neighboring nations, citing cross-border trafficking and cartel alliances. Critics warn that unilateral action on foreign soil could spark a major geopolitical crisis and undermine international norms.

Venezuelan authorities have not yet issued a direct response to Trump’s latest comments, but officials in Caracas have previously condemned similar statements as hostile and destabilizing.

As the political fallout grows, observers expect both countries to harden their positions, setting the stage for renewed disputes over security, sovereignty, and the limits of U.S. influence in the region.

Author: M.J