Pope Leo has cautioned President Trump against using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Instead, the Pope has suggested pursuing dialogue or economic pressure for regime change. The Pope criticized the mixed signals emanating from the U.S. regarding the situation, highlighting the inconsistency in messaging. Trump’s actions, including airspace closures and military deployments, have fueled speculation about an imminent strike, despite Maduro denying the accusations and denouncing the threats.
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President Trump indicated that the United States is preparing to initiate actions against Venezuelan drug trafficking networks, specifically mentioning the start of land-based strikes “very soon.” This announcement follows the designation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization, allowing for the imposition of additional sanctions. The US military has already deployed significant resources, including warships and troops, in the region as part of an anti-drug-trafficking campaign, having previously conducted boat strikes. Despite these preparations, the administration previously informed lawmakers that it was not planning strikes inside Venezuela, citing the lack of legal justification for such actions.
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On Wednesday, President Trump was briefed on updated military options for potential operations in Venezuela, including land strikes, with the intelligence community providing information for potential operations. This briefing occurred as the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group entered the region, increasing the U.S. military presence and fueling speculation of potential direct strikes. Defense experts suggest the presence of the Ford strike group creates a “shot clock” effect, forcing a decision whether to act militarily or retreat, each with significant geopolitical consequences. The deployment of the aircraft carrier group, intended to disrupt drug trafficking routes, is seen by experts as too powerful to remain idle, implying either imminent action or a strategic withdrawal.
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The White House is claiming war powers restrictions do not apply to the recent military strikes on alleged drug traffickers, despite the 60-day window stipulated by the War Powers Resolution having closed. This assertion is based on the argument that the strikes do not constitute “hostilities,” a stance that could allow the government to continue these actions without congressional approval. Critics argue that this interpretation is a legal abuse, and further, could expand the scope of military action without congressional oversight, including potential action against Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is moving to send troops into Mexico.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning ground operations on Mexican soil against drug cartels, with personnel from the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command and the CIA already in training. These covert missions, if authorized, would involve drone strikes and represent a significant escalation in the ongoing “armed conflict” with cartels, which the President has deemed “unlawful combatants”. This development follows the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the declaration of an “armed conflict,” potentially further complicating relations with the Mexican government, who has stated they will not permit unilateral action by American military personnel. While discussions continue on the scope of the missions, the operations, if approved, would be conducted under Title 50, providing a legal framework for covert intelligence activities.
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In a surprise statement posted online, former President Donald Trump declared his intention to potentially invade Nigeria, a key U.S. ally in Africa. This announcement followed his declaration that Nigeria may be considered a “country of particular concern” due to alleged inaction regarding attacks on Christians by Islamic extremist groups. Trump’s threat, potentially motivated by claims of religious persecution, threatens to halt aid and potentially involve military action. The current Nigerian government has responded by stating that religious tolerance is a core tenet of the nation’s identity and that Trump’s characterization of the country does not reflect reality.
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Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, stated that military escalation is the only way to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power and facilitate a peaceful transition. Machado is actively organizing her movement, even with members imprisoned or in exile, and has a plan for the first 100 hours following a regime change. The Trump administration has reportedly considered military strikes inside Venezuela targeting military facilities linked to the Maduro regime and drug-trafficking organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles. These potential strikes aim to disrupt the Cartel de los Soles, and sources suggest that Maduro’s time in power is limited, with some generals reportedly willing to apprehend him.
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President Trump is considering targeting cocaine facilities and trafficking routes inside Venezuela, though he has not yet made a decision. In anticipation of a potential military escalation, the Defense Secretary ordered a carrier strike group to the Caribbean, and the CIA has been authorized to conduct covert operations. While diplomatic options remain on the table, the administration has also been aggressively trying to link Venezuelan President Maduro to the drug trade, even though Venezuela is not a major cocaine producer, according to the UNODC and the DEA. The President has stated that he plans to eliminate those who bring drugs into the country. The US military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of numerous naval assets, fighter jets, and drones.
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The US has escalated its involvement in Venezuela, conducting lethal strikes on alleged cartel boats and authorizing covert CIA operations, possibly to remove President Maduro. This has fueled speculation about potential military action, including strikes on land, targeting either drug operations or the regime itself. While the administration has prioritized removing Maduro, it’s unclear if the US will pursue a full-scale intervention, although it’s clear the US is continuing a long-held policy of removing Maduro. These actions, framed through the lens of combating drugs and migration, are drawing concerns over the legality and potential consequences of regime change. The situation remains uncertain, with a range of possible outcomes from continued strikes to more direct intervention.
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President Trump has reportedly ceased all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, frustrated with President Maduro’s continued reluctance to leave office and rejection of ties with drug cartels. The administration has prepared multiple military plans, including the potential ousting of Maduro, while the U.S. military has conducted at least four strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Top officials are now asserting that those involved in drug trafficking towards the U.S. are legitimate targets. The Venezuelan government has responded by reporting their concerns about a potential false flag operation targeting the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
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John Q. Hosedrinker