Exclusive: US to launch new phase of Venezuela operations, sources say, and the news is… well, let’s just say it’s generating a lot of buzz. My initial thought is, this is happening, right? It seems pretty clear, given the chatter. The idea of a new phase, a renewed push, is definitely in the air.
This whole thing feels a little… familiar. The “war on drugs” excuse, the talk of national security, it’s all been done before. And frankly, the optics are terrible, especially when you consider some of the things that have been happening alongside it. There’s the whole issue of pardoning people who are actually involved in drug trafficking, the very thing they’re supposedly fighting.… Continue reading
Pentagon says it struck another suspected drug boat in Pacific, killing three, and the immediate reaction, it seems, is a mix of outrage and disbelief. The very notion of taking a life based on mere suspicion is deeply unsettling. The term “suspected” throws everything into question, raising valid points about due process and the right to a fair trial. The complete absence of evidence, of definitive proof of wrongdoing, seems to be a major concern, and rightly so. Many are asking if there are other ways to handle these suspected drug smugglers, such as sending out boats to verify the contents of the boat.… Continue reading
The White House’s legal rationale for airstrikes on boats in Latin American waters has only been shared with select Republicans. Representative Sara Jacobs has stated the strikes are “completely illegal” due to extrajudicial killings and a lack of evidence. The U.S. has conducted over a dozen airstrikes, killing at least 61 people under the pretense of targeting drug smuggling operations and “designated terrorist organizations”, primarily focused on cocaine, which officials claim facilitates fentanyl.
Read More
In a significant military escalation, the U.S. is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the waters off South America. This move, announced by the Pentagon, aims to enhance the U.S.’s ability to counter illicit activities. Simultaneously, the military has intensified strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, with the most recent targeting the Tren de Aragua gang. These actions, coupled with increased military presence and rhetoric comparing the drug crackdown to the war on terror, have sparked concerns and speculation regarding the administration’s intentions in the region.
Read More
US military strikes suspected drug vessel in the Pacific. Okay, so we’re talking about a situation where the US military has targeted a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, allegedly suspected of carrying drugs. My initial thoughts? This feels like a really murky situation, and honestly, the whole thing raises a lot of red flags.
US military strikes suspected drug vessel in the Pacific. It’s difficult to avoid the immediate question: Is this even legal? We’re essentially talking about a military operation that results in the destruction of a vessel and potential loss of life. Even if there were a suspicion of drug activity, doesn’t the idea of extrajudicial killings feel inherently wrong?… Continue reading
The CIA is playing a central role in the Trump administration’s lethal air strikes against suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean Sea, providing real-time intelligence from satellites and intercepts to identify targets. Although the U.S. military carries out the actual missile strikes, the CIA’s intelligence gathering is critical in recommending which vessels to target. Because the CIA’s intelligence is not designed to be public or used as legal evidence, the sources and methods used for selecting targets will likely remain secret. Experts express concern that such strikes on civilian targets may be illegal under international law.
Read More
U.S. Military Killed Venezuelan Fisherman in Suspected Drug Boat Attack, Family Says, and the immediate thought that comes to mind is, why are we using missiles on tiny boats? It just seems like an incredibly disproportionate response, doesn’t it? If the goal was to stop drug trafficking, there are far more cost-effective methods available. This makes one wonder if there’s something else at play, if this is less about stopping drugs and more about making a statement, perhaps even a political one. It’s easy to get the sense that the people involved might be motivated by something other than justice and actually value the potential for conflict.… Continue reading
Over the past month, the U.S. Coast Guard has seized over 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a surge in counter-drug operations. These interdictions, which have involved more than a dozen seizures since August 8th, have also resulted in the apprehension of 36 suspected drug smugglers. Furthermore, the Coast Guard recently offloaded over 38 tons of cocaine and marijuana in Fort Lauderdale, the largest cocaine offload in the agency’s history. This increased effort is coordinated with international and interagency partners to disrupt illicit drug shipments.
Read More
Stay informed about local news, sports, and special offers. Signing up delivers this information directly to your inbox. This ensures you remain connected to your community’s happenings. Registration is quick and easy; simply sign up now. Benefit from convenient access to relevant updates.
Read More
Despite advocating for harsher penalties for drug dealers, including the death penalty for fentanyl traffickers, President Trump has pardoned numerous individuals convicted on federal drug charges. This includes high-profile figures like Larry Hoover, leader of the Gangster Disciples, whose release sparked controversy given his extensive criminal history. Critics cite conflicting signals from the White House, highlighting the disconnect between Trump’s tough rhetoric and his clemency grants. Some view these pardons as politically motivated, lacking a coherent ideological basis, while others see them as potential steps toward reforming the drug war’s punitive approach.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker