Trump-Maduro Tensions

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have reached a seemingly critical level over what the US administration ostensibly calls its war against narco-terrorism.

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Earlier, US President Donald Trump squarely blamed Venezuela for smuggling into the country fentanyl — synthetic opioid — even though Venezuela does not even produce it. The US has already expanded its military presence in the Caribbean Sea and is reportedly planning a regime change in Venezuela. Since September, it has launched over 20 strikes on boats which, it alleges, are smuggling narcotics. At least 80 people have been killed in this offensive. However, the US public and a few Republicans do not endorse such blatant aggression on false pretexts.

A poll conducted between 19 and 21 November showed that 70 per cent of respondents opposed US military action in Venezuela, while 56 per cent believe any military action would have no effect on the amount of drugs entering the US.

The new US offensive has wide global implications, as some countries have now suspended—or curtailed—part of their intelligence sharing with the US over the boat strikes. Adding to the international condemnation, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez recently denounced US military presence in the region, calling it an “exaggerated and aggressive” threat. He went on to “appeal” to the people of the US to stop the “madness.”