US President Donald Trump has renewed his accusation that Venezuela is sending gang members and drugs to the United States, which he said was not acceptable.
Tension has been high between the two countries since the US deployed warships to the Southern Caribbean on what officials described as counter-narcotics operations.
As part of that deployment, the US launched an attack on a boat allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of all 11 people on board.
When asked whether the US would conduct strikes on mainland Venezuela, Trump responded, We'll see what happens.
During a press conference in New Jersey, Trump claimed Venezuela was sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. He noted a significant reduction in maritime traffic in the Southern Caribbean since the initial strike.
Experts raised legal concerns about the September 2 attack, suggesting it may have violated international law. In response to US actions, Venezuela's military flew two F-16 fighter jets over a US Navy destroyer.
Subsequently, Trump warned that any Venezuelan jets placing us in a dangerous situation would be shot down. Tensions escalated further when Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil accused US forces of illegally boarding a Venezuelan vessel, claiming it was a harmless fishing boat seized for eight hours.
The Venezuelan foreign ministry asserted that the seizure was an act aimed at justifying war escalation to effect regime change in Caracas. The US, along with several countries, has not recognized Nicolás Maduro's re-election in July 2024, alleging that the election was manipulated.
US officials have accused Maduro of leading a major drug cartel, offering a reward for information about his capture. In retaliation, Maduro has called on Venezuelans to join the militia, indicating that public sector workers feel pressure to enlist.
