Trump: US to begin land operations against Venezuelan drug traffickers

The United States will “very soon” begin taking action on land to disrupt suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers, President Donald Trump has said, signalling a potential expansion of Washington’s counter-narcotics operations in the region.

Speaking virtually to US military personnel on November 27, Trump said: "You probably noticed that people aren't wanting to be delivering by sea, and we'll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon"

The Venezuelan communications ministry has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Washington has long accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of facilitating the illicit drug trade — allegations Maduro denies. The Trump administration has been assessing possible actions targeting Venezuela, describing the issue as a threat that has claimed American lives.

US forces deployed across the Caribbean and the Pacific have so far concentrated on interdictions at sea, though officials acknowledge the level of military capability in the region is far beyond what is required for counter-narcotics work.

Since September, US troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on boats suspected of transporting drugs, resulting in at least 83 deaths.

Reports of additional measures have intensified in recent weeks as the US military bolsters its presence near Venezuela amid deteriorating bilateral relations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev