Navy Operations Against Drug Trafficking Near Venezuela
In April 2020, shortly before the end of his first term, the U.S. President announced a comprehensive anti-drug operation in South America, enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Southern Command. This initiative was prompted by concerns that cartels and other malicious actors might exploit the global pandemic for their gain.
Venezuela, closely allied with China, Russia, and Iran, became a focal point for Washington due to President Nicolás Maduro being indicted for narcoterrorism and cocaine trafficking. He was accused of leading a violent drug cartel while in power.
Since then, drug trafficking has escalated, with increasing volumes being seized. The U.S. Navy has intercepted 38.5 tons of drugs this year alone, compared to 48 tons in 2024. Additionally, traffickers have advanced their methods, as evidenced by the Colombian Navy’s seizure of a submersible drone capable of transporting 1.5 tons of cocaine.
Upon returning to the White House, the President resumed previous initiatives, designating the Sinaloa cartel and the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as terrorist organizations. In August, the U.S. Attorney General announced a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, citing the seizure of 30 tons of cocaine linked to him and his associates.
Following these developments, the Pentagon deployed three amphibious assault ships—the USS Iwo Jima, USS Fort Lauderdale, and USS San Antonio—to the Caribbean under the U.S. Southern Command’s authority. They were joined by destroyers USS Jason Dunham and USS Gravely, as well as the cruiser USS Lake Erie, with plans for additional vessels and a nuclear attack submarine.
In response, Maduro claimed that Venezuela faced the greatest threat in a century, accusing Washington of preparing an invasion. He mobilized over 4.5 million militia members and deployed naval and drone assets in Venezuelan waters, asserting that the country would not yield to threats.
The Venezuelan ambassador to the UN condemned the U.S. actions as a propaganda campaign to justify military intervention in a sovereign nation. The Pentagon has not disclosed the specific mission of the deployed vessels, only stating that it is preparing options to combat drug cartels and criminal organizations.
On September 2, U.S. forces targeted a drug-trafficking vessel that had departed from Venezuela. The President stated that U.S. military forces conducted a kinetic strike against identified narcoterrorists from the Tren de Aragua gang. This action occurred in international waters while the vessel was transporting illegal drugs to the U.S., resulting in the deaths of 11 narcoterrorists.
The President shared a declassified video showing a small vessel catching fire after being struck, likely by a missile from an aircraft. Details regarding the circumstances of this kinetic action remain undisclosed.
Before departing for Mexico, the U.S. Secretary of State warned that the era of acting with impunity was over, emphasizing the need for decisive action against drug trafficking operations.