NewKerala.com

US to Target Cartels on Land, Captures Maduro in Major Drug Crackdown

US Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need to take power from criminal cartels and give it to legitimate governments. President Donald Trump announced an expansion of military action to target cartels on land, following naval operations. The administration captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to face narco-trafficking charges after military strikes in Venezuela. The operations have been criticized by several nations, with Mexico's president rejecting foreign intervention.

Key Points: US VP Vance Vows to Take Power from Cartels, Trump Plans Land Strikes

  • US to expand anti-cartel ops to land targets
  • Venezuelan leader Maduro captured on narco charges
  • Military struck Venezuelan infrastructure and gang routes
  • Move draws condemnation from Mexico, Brazil, and Russia
2 min read

"United States will take power away from criminal cartels": Vice President JD Vance

US announces crackdown on drug cartels, captures Venezuelan leader Maduro. VP JD Vance links peace to asserting authority, drawing international criticism.

"We are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels. - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC, January 9

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday emphasised the need for firm action against criminal cartels, linking peace to asserting authority and strengthening legitimate governments.

Highlighting Washington's approach, Vance said, "One of the ways that you establish peace in your own hemisphere is to make it clear that the United States is going to be respected, that the United States is willing to take power away from criminal cartel organisations and give it to legitimate governments."

Vance's remarks came as US President Donald Trump indicated that the administration will soon begin targeting drug cartels on land, following a month-long military campaign against alleged drug trafficking routes in regional waters.

During an appearance on Fox News's Hannity, Trump said, "We are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels. The cartels are running Mexico," without offering further details about the planned actions.

The comments followed a month-long military operation targeting vessels accused of transporting drugs in the Caribbean Sea and other areas, The Hill reported.

White House and Pentagon officials justified some of the lethal strikes by stating that those aboard the boats were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was designated a foreign terrorist organisation last year.

The Trump administration on Saturday captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, with both transported to the United States to face narco-trafficking charges.

Military forces also struck infrastructure in northern Venezuela before raiding Maduro's residence in Caracas, The Hill reported.

The administration has additionally sought to exert control over Venezuela's oil industry, stating that the country would turn over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, The Hill reported.

The operation drew criticism from Brazil, Mexico and Russia, with officials condemning the move and expressing concern over the implications of future interventions.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week, "Intervention has never brought democracy, nor has it generated lasting well-being or stability."

She added, "We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries," The Hill reported.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The drug trade is a global menace that ruins lives. If the US can dismantle these networks, it's good for the world. But the focus should be on cooperation with local governments, not just taking over their oil! Sounds more like an excuse for resource grab.
A
Aman W
Mexico's President is right. Democracy can't be delivered by missiles. Look at the history of such interventions in West Asia. Chaos follows. Hope India always maintains its strategic autonomy and doesn't get pulled into such adventures.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in the US, the opioid crisis here is devastating. The cartels are responsible for so much pain. While the method is extreme, something drastic needs to be done to stop the flow of drugs. It's a complex issue.
V
Vikram M
Capturing a sitting head of state? That's straight out of a movie! The US is showing its muscle, but this will have huge geopolitical repercussions. Brazil and Russia are right to be concerned. The world order is getting more unpredictable by the day.
K
Kavya N
The part about giving power to "legitimate governments" is interesting. Who decides what's legitimate? The US? This is why our Non-Aligned roots and principle of Panchsheel (peaceful coexistence) are so important. Every nation's sovereignty is sacred.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50