Maduro Invites US Dialogue on Venezuela’s Drug Trafficking Issues
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States regarding issues related to drug trafficking. This comes in the context of heightened tensions and a series of strikes conducted by the US against vessels allegedly linked to drug smuggling.
Background of US Strikes on Drug Traffickers
Since the initiation of these operations under the Trump administration, over 30 strikes have targeted vessels involved in drug trafficking. Notably, more than 110 individuals have lost their lives since September 2, when the US conducted its first military action in international waters.
Recent Military Actions
On a recent Wednesday, the US military reported striking two boats believed to be transporting drugs, resulting in the deaths of five people. A drone strike, reportedly executed by the CIA, targeted a dock area associated with Venezuelan drug boats. This attack is speculated to be the first US operation conducted on Venezuelan soil.
- Date of first attack: September 2
- Number of strikes: Over 30
- Casualties: More than 110 killed
- Latest attack: Recent Wednesday, 5 fatalities
Maduro’s Response
During a recent interview, President Maduro refrained from confirming or denying the US strike, suggesting it was a topic to discuss later. He also indicated openness to dialogue on various issues, including oil and migration.
US Policy Toward Venezuela
Recently, the Trump administration has amplified its focus on combating drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and cocaine entering the US. Enhanced measures include significantly raising the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture. Additionally, the Maduro government is poised for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
While Maduro strongly denies allegations of being a cartel leader, he claims that the US is leveraging the drug war as a pretext for regime change and to seize Venezuela’s oil resources. Despite this, US counternarcotic specialists assert that Venezuela primarily serves as a transit country for drugs, notably under the influence of Colombian cocaine production.
Migration Crisis and Economic Strain
Since 2013, Venezuela has faced an economic crisis with approximately eight million citizens fleeing the country, some seeking refuge in the US. The Trump administration has alleged that Maduro is responsible for “emptying his prisons and insane asylums,” forcing migrants towards the US border.
Venezuelan Oil Sanctions
The US has also intensified efforts to disrupt Venezuela’s oil trade. On December 10, US forces seized an oil tanker believed to be transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, an act Maduro condemned as “international piracy.” This was followed by additional seizures of oil tankers.
Legal and Ethical Implications
While the Trump administration characterizes its actions against drug vessels as part of a non-international armed conflict, experts warn that these operations could breach international laws pertaining to armed conflict. The US has yet to provide concrete evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug trafficking activities, despite claims from the Southern Command asserting that intelligence confirmed their involvement in known narco-trafficking routes.
