President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to brief Congress on upcoming U.S. military operations targeting drug-cartel strongholds on Venezuelan soil. He emphasized that the campaign, previously focused on maritime interdictions, will shift to “land next” in the broader effort to curb trafficking of fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States.
According to the president, more than 3,200 suspected cartel operatives have been arrested in recent weeks. He stated that while a formal declaration of war has not been sought, lethal force will be used “against those bringing drugs into our country.” The move aligns with a dramatic escalation of U.S. anti-narcotics actions and adds a new dimension to Washington’s regional strategy.
The announcement raises questions about legal authority, international boundaries and Congressional oversight as the administration shifts gears from stopping vessels at sea to potential ground strikes inland.