US preparing aggressive move against Venezuela’s drug cartels, Trump declares

Washington: Amid continued US air strikes on Venezuelan-linked drug trafficking in the Caribbean, President Donald Trump has hinted that action could now be seen on the ground as well. His latest comments show that the tension between Washington and Caracas is about to increase.

In Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Trump said that America will soon target drug smugglers present in Venezuela. He said, "We are also going to take action on the ground. This task is easier than air strikes. We know where these people live, and very soon we will reach there."

Concern increased after the death of more than 80 people

Trump's comments came as the US military has carried out several attacks on boats believed to be involved in drug smuggling in recent weeks. More than 80 people have died in these actions. On this issue, Trump also defended his War Secretary Pete Hegseth and said that he had no prior knowledge of the second attack.

Confusion over second attack

According to reports, on September 2, the US military conducted the first strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean. It was told that not all the smugglers were killed in that attack, after which a second attack was carried out. Trump clearly said that he had no knowledge of that second attack.

"I knew about the first attack, but I came to know about the second attack later. I was not involved in it," he said.

'Fog of war': War Secretary's clarification

Secretary of War Hegseth says he was watching the first attack live but had to go to another meeting immediately afterward. A few hours later they received information about a second attack. He said, "There was a fire on the ship. I did not see any living person. This is called the fog of war."

The White House said the second attack was ordered by Admiral Frank M. "Mitch" Bradley, head of the US Special Operations Command. Many international analysts believe that if the US really launches a ground operation, it will take relations with Venezuela to a new turn. The government of Caracas is calling these attacks a direct attack on its sovereignty and is preparing to oppose it on international forums.