Trump Administration Considers Military Action Against Drug Facilities in Venezuela: Strategic Analysis

President Trump is evaluating potential operations targeting cocaine facilities and drug trafficking routes within Venezuela, according to US officials speaking to CNN. However, no definitive plan has been established yet.

Officials indicate that the President hasn't excluded diplomatic approaches with Venezuela to reduce drug flow into the United States, despite recent termination of talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

One official confirmed, "There are plans on the table that the president is considering" regarding possible operations.

Although Venezuela isn't recognized as a major cocaine producer, the Trump administration has been actively attempting to connect Maduro with drug trafficking activities.

In a significant military development, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has directed the US Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier strike group to relocate from Europe to the Caribbean. CNN also reports that Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela.

An official directly involved in discussions revealed that numerous proposals have been presented to the president. Another official mentioned that planning is occurring across government departments, with current high-level focus on targeting drugs inside Venezuela.

The United States has deployed over 4,500 Marines and sailors alongside substantial naval and air assets in the Caribbean to enhance operations against alleged cartels and demonstrate military strength in the region.

CNN previously reported that Trump has been considering strikes within Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to weaken Maduro's position. Trump has publicly discussed potential land operations, though details remain unclear. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested drug "routes" might be targeted.

Regarding potential regime change, some officials suggest the drug campaign could ultimately lead to Maduro's removal. However, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime notes that Venezuela isn't a cocaine-producing country.

Most coca crops—cocaine's primary ingredient—are found in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. The US Drug Enforcement Administration's March report didn't mention Venezuela in its cocaine trafficking section, instead highlighting Ecuador, Central America, and Mexico.

Administration officials maintain that some drug trafficking does occur through Venezuela and reference Maduro's 2020 indictment on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.

Officials state that President Trump isn't rushing to decide, as he's currently focused on his Asia trip and Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.

Trump previously stated that he could launch strikes against alleged drug traffickers abroad without Congress first declaring war, saying: "I'm not going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we're just going to kill people who are bringing drugs into our country. Okay? We're going to kill them, you know, they're going to be like, dead."

The buildup of US military forces has raised questions about the administration's intentions in the region. Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell stated on social media that moving the Gerald R. Ford strike group and its air wing aims to "dismantle Transnational Criminal Organisations and counter narco-terrorism."