In the face of growing tensions with the US, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to defend his government against any attempt at overthrow. The US has been conducting military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking, with Venezuela and Cuba accusing the US of seeking a violent regime change. Maduro’s administration claims US actions are economically motivated, seeking control of Venezuela’s resources. Despite not recognizing Maduro as the leader, the US has designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, with the former Trump administration deputy secretary of defense saying that the official position of the US government is not regime change, but Mr. Trump would like to see that happen in Venezuela.
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The elite helicopter unit, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), known as the Night Stalkers, has a long history of carrying out dangerous missions, most of which take place under the cover of darkness. Recently, the Night Stalkers have been spotted off the coast of Venezuela, coinciding with increased pressure from the US on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. This military presence, along with other deployments and covert actions, has raised concerns about a potential US intervention in Venezuela, with several possible outcomes being considered. Some believe that the situation could lead to the removal of Maduro, or a deal that would grant the US access to Venezuela’s resources. However, such an operation would not be without risk, as the Venezuelan military and militia fighters could potentially pose a serious threat to the Night Stalkers.
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The United States has amassed a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including warships and a nuclear submarine, while also threatening direct military action against Venezuela. This build-up is ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, but evidence suggests the claims against the Venezuelan government are fabricated. Experts assert Venezuela is not a significant player in the drug trade. The primary motivation appears to be regime change, with potential scenarios ranging from continued extrajudicial killings to air strikes or a full-scale military invasion. Such intervention could destabilize the region, worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and ironically, empower drug cartels.
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President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has accused the United States of fabricating a new war, following the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, to the Caribbean. The US claims the deployment is part of its efforts to disrupt drug trafficking in the region and has conducted multiple air strikes targeting vessels. Maduro views the military buildup as a threat, with concerns that the US aims to remove him from power. Military analysts suggest the US presence is more than needed for intercepting drugs at sea, and experts believe the build-up is intended to signal a regime change.
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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 denied seeking regime change in Venezuela, despite a significant military build-up near its coast and increasingly harsh rhetoric directed towards President Maduro. The administration claims the build-up is aimed at stopping drug cartels, and military action has already been taken against alleged cartel targets. However, officials have also accused Maduro of being in league with the cartels, heightening concerns that he may be a target. This follows prior actions, including financial sanctions and designating a Venezuelan gang as a foreign terrorist organization. With significant military assets now deployed, the situation remains tense as experts question the legality of the actions.
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The Trump administration is escalating its offensive against drug trafficking in the southern Caribbean, warning that traffickers will face consequences, as evidenced by the destruction of a boat allegedly carrying drugs. This action, viewed as a move against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has raised questions about the U.S.’s ultimate goal in the region, and whether that goal is regime change. The U.S. aims to exert pressure on Maduro, hoping to incite internal conflict and potentially force his removal, possibly utilizing increased military presence and the targeting of cartels as a means to this end. The administration has already deployed additional military assets and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, granting them the legal authority to take further action, as stated by key figures in the White House.
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the U.S. deployment of warships in the Caribbean as the greatest threat to the region in a century, accusing the U.S. of threatening its sovereignty and seeking regime change. This response comes amid increased U.S. naval presence, justified by the White House as an anti-drug trafficking operation, although Maduro views it as military pressure. Maduro has vowed maximum preparedness and threatened to declare a republic in arms if attacked, while neighboring Guyana has welcomed the U.S. deployment amidst ongoing territorial disputes.
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During a virtual event with Finland, President Zelensky advocated for regime change in Russia, arguing it is the only solution to prevent future destabilization of neighboring countries. He emphasized that Russia must be coerced into ending the war it started, suggesting the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in the West as a means to achieve this. Zelensky’s comments followed unsuccessful direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow and were made after a devastating overnight attack on Kyiv. While Western nations have been hesitant to fully confiscate Russian assets due to legal and financial stability concerns, Zelensky pushed for their use in supporting Ukraine.
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Although regime change is not an explicitly stated goal, there are indicators of a shifting sentiment towards it. Recent military actions, including potential strikes on key regime figures and symbolic sites, are seen as boosting confidence in the possibility of ousting the current leadership. According to Pahlavi, the current military strategy is pushing the regime to its breaking point, and he believes the regime will collapse by the end of the year. He urges world leaders to firmly back regime change to encourage the Iranian people to take action. However, some European powers are still calling for de-escalation and negotiation, which Pahlavi believes would be a mistake.
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John Q. Hosedrinker