Venezuela to Tackle Drug Trafficking?
Troops Pledged
Amid US military pressure, Venezuela pledged to tackle drug trafficking.
Context
Since January, the Trump Administration has deployed eight warships, one attack submarine, surveillance planes, and thousands of troops to Caribbean waters near Venezuela to combat drug cartels. The Pentagon conducted its first military strike against what it claimed was a Venezuelan cartel target last Tuesday, killing 11 people in a boat that officials said had departed from Venezuela carrying drugs. The US government has long been trying to unseat President Nicolás Maduro and has offered a $50M reward for information leading to his arrest.
Deployment
The Venezuelan defense minister said Sunday that President Maduro had ordered 15,000+ additional troops deployed to the country's border areas that are known for drug smuggling.
The Rest of this Article is for Roca Members
Become a Roca member to access this post and other members-only content.
Join the Roca WaveRoca Members:
- Support our mission and fund our journalism
- Receive 1 daily deep-dive and 4 daily news stories
- Access our on-the-ground reporting and exclusive interviews
