By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the successful extraction of Nicolas Maduro, President Trump has not ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops in Venezuela, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring the country is “run properly” and promising to rebuild its oil infrastructure. Concerns remain about potential resistance and the possibility of a prolonged counterinsurgency, as the remaining leaders of Maduro’s regime have vowed to resist foreign military presence. Should an insurgency occur, a larger U.S. military presence than currently deployed in the Caribbean would likely be required to protect U.S. assets and personnel.
Read the original article here
Deploying U.S. Troops in Venezuela Could Become a ‘Force Protection Nightmare’ Amid Insurgency Threat, Retired Colonel Warns: ‘The Venezuelan military has had plans for years that indicate it would engage in guerrilla warfare’ is a scenario that many are apprehensive about, and for good reason. The potential for a prolonged and bloody conflict is a serious concern, especially when considering the potential for U.S. troops getting bogged down in an environment ripe for guerrilla warfare. A retired Colonel has voiced concerns, specifically highlighting that the Venezuelan military has spent years planning for, and preparing to engage in, this type of combat.
The vastness and challenging terrain of Venezuela presents a significant hurdle. Think of it – Venezuela is considerably larger than Vietnam and even bigger than Afghanistan. Its cities are densely populated, which further complicates any military operation. A deployment of U.S. troops could easily devolve into a drawn-out, brutal struggle. The risks are substantial. This isn’t just a military operation; it’s a potential quagmire.
History often repeats itself. We’ve seen similar patterns before. The proposed scenario of entering Venezuela has echoes of previous conflicts, where regime change was attempted, followed by an extraction of resources, all while facing an unknown and motivated group of insurgents. Some argue this could be a replay of Iraq or Afghanistan, where the initial objectives were muddled and the long-term consequences devastating.
The potential for a “force protection nightmare” is the core concern here. The U.S. military has historically struggled against guerrilla tactics, especially in jungle warfare, and Venezuela’s environment is perfectly suited for it. There is a risk that this will be a slow, grinding conflict with no clear end in sight. The Venezuelan military’s plans for guerrilla warfare only intensify these concerns.
It’s not just the military that would face danger. Civilians are always in the crossfire in a guerrilla war, and with the presence of cartels, the situation could become even more volatile. The potential for kidnappings and violence against oil workers, and the potential for a general destabilization of the country, is a serious threat.
The arguments here raise many questions about the underlying motivations. Is this about securing resources like oil? Is it about a deeper geopolitical strategy? Whatever the reasons, the potential consequences for both U.S. troops and Venezuelans are grave. It’s a scenario that demands careful consideration, and a healthy dose of caution, if it comes to pass.
The lack of preparation for the aftermath, the possibility of a drawn-out conflict, and the risk of significant casualties are all elements that contribute to the potential for disaster. The possibility of this leading to a wider global conflict, potentially creating a precedent for similar actions elsewhere, also raises major concerns.
In the end, it’s clear that the deployment of U.S. troops to Venezuela would be an extremely complex and dangerous undertaking. With the Venezuelan military’s experience in guerrilla warfare, the size of the country, and the presence of criminal organizations, the potential for a “force protection nightmare” is very real. It’s a scenario that should not be entered into lightly.