Introduction
The Venezuelan crisis has taken a dramatic turn, with President Nicolás Maduro finding himself in a precarious position reminiscent of both Manuel Noriega and Qassem Soleimani. While Maduro aspires to receive the same treatment as a drug lord like Noriega, his situation is increasingly paralleling that of Soleimani, who was eliminated during Trump’s first presidential term.
No Invasion, but a Unique Operation Against Narcoterrorism
No invasion or war in Venezuela. The ongoing operation in the Caribbean Sea is unprecedented, targeting narcoterrorism and its key leaders, including Nicolás Maduro, head of the “Cartel of the Suns.”
Numbers speak for themselves. Although the deployment of forces by air and sea is impressive, the number of personnel involved falls far short of a traditional invasion. During Operation Just Cause, which removed Noriega from power, 26,000 soldiers were used in Panama, a country 12 times smaller than Venezuela. A minimum of 150,000 troops would be required for a potential Venezuelan invasion. Hence, the current scenario is distinct.
Maduro: A Narco-Terrorist Leader
Maduro is not just a drug lord; he’s also a terrorist. In July, the U.S. Treasury Department designated the “Cartel of the Suns” as an international terrorist organization, stating that Maduro provided support and collaboration to two other criminal groups: the Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico.
A Security National Issue
Maduro’s designation as a narco-terrorist is significant. It shuts the door on traditional dialogue and negotiation stances, positioning Maduro as a genuine security threat to the Western Hemisphere.
No Negotiation with Terrorists
The U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists. For years, the Chavismo regime used oil, diplomacy, and even migration as weapons of coercion. Though ineffective, this strategy was successful until now. Maduro’s recent letter to President Trump requesting dialogue was seen as a poorly executed joke.
A Paradigm Shift
A change in approach. The destruction of three narco vessels and the elimination of 17 individuals demonstrated that conventional investigations, arrests, and seizures are ineffective against Venezuela’s dictatorship. The strategy is now one of swift and decisive annihilation.
An Unconventional War
Unconventional warfare. Large, prolonged campaigns with traditional armies are a thing of the past. Drones like the Predator and Reaper have revolutionized military operations. Furthermore, Operation Midnight Thunder in Iran showcased the precision, power, and unpredictability of new attacks without ground troops.
Avoiding a Long and Costly War
Preventing a lengthy, expensive war. The U.S. aims to avoid a protracted and costly conflict, which is particularly unpopular among the MAGA Republican base. Consequently, in Venezuela’s case, a short and impactful operation is anticipated.
A Display of Strength
Demonstrating military might. Large-scale armed deployments and military parades are undeniable displays of strength and ferocity, sending a clear message to allies and adversaries alike. The U.S. seeks to emphasize that the Western Hemisphere is a priority and its primary zone of commercial and military influence.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current situation in Venezuela? A: The U.S. is conducting an unprecedented operation against narcoterrorism, targeting key leaders like Nicolás Maduro.
- Q: Why is Maduro compared to both Noriega and Soleimani? A: Maduro aspires for treatment similar to Noriega, a drug lord, but his situation mirrors Soleimani’s, a terrorist leader.
- Q: What is the significance of Maduro’s designation as a narco-terrorist? A: It closes the door on traditional dialogue and negotiation, positioning Maduro as a genuine security threat.
- Q: Why is the U.S. not considering negotiation with Maduro? A: The U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists, and Maduro’s regime has used coercive tactics for years.
- Q: What is the new approach in handling Venezuela’s crisis? A: The U.S. strategy has shifted to swift and decisive annihilation, utilizing unconventional warfare tactics.
- Q: Why is the U.S. avoiding a lengthy and costly war in Venezuela? A: The U.S. aims to prevent a protracted and expensive conflict, which is unpopular among the MAGA Republican base.
