Donald Trump declared that the USA will begin ground operations against drug traffickers in Venezuela, accusing the country of involvement in this trafficking.

The American president Donald Trump announced that the United States will intensify actions against drug traffickers in Venezuela, extending operations from sea to land. In a message to airlines and pilots, Trump requested that the airspace over Venezuela be considered closed. He accused Venezuela of being a center for drug trafficking that affects the American market, an accusation rejected by Caracas.

Starting in September, American forces have intercepted over 20 vessels suspected of trafficking, resulting in 83 casualties, which has been criticized by the UN as extrajudicial executions. Trump deployed the largest aircraft carrier in the world, USS Gerald Ford, in the Caribbean Sea, highlighting the success of these operations. Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, accused the US of regime change intentions and urged the military to remain vigilant. In this context, the American justice system has increased the reward for information about Maduro to 50 million dollars, and Caracas has intensified operations against drug trafficking.