Donald Trump’s latest strategy to tackle the United States’ drug crisis includes controversial measures that could involve the killing of alleged drug smugglers on land, as suggested by his recent statements.
The administration under Trump has faced criticism over its approach to dealing with individuals labeled as ‘narco terrorists’ accused of trafficking drugs into the United States.
The U.S. has been actively targeting these suspects, reportedly linked to Venezuela, with military force, resulting in the deaths of approximately 37 individuals during operations conducted in maritime regions.
In a recent press conference, Trump hinted at the possibility of his administration taking more severe measures against these alleged drug traffickers in the foreseeable future.
This stance has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, raising concerns about the potential for a larger conflict.
In a surprising declaration made during a White House speech, Trump stated his intent to resort to lethal measures.
He did not specify whether he would seek approval from legislative bodies for such an escalation.
When a reporter questioned why he would bypass Congress for a war declaration, Trump replied: “I think we’re just gonna kill people. Okay? We’re gonna kill them. They’re gonna be, like, dead.”
He elaborated: “The land is going to be next. And we may go to the Senate; we may go to the Congress and tell them about it, but I can’t imagine they’d have any problem with it.”
Trump has consistently defended these actions, asserting that the U.S. had concrete information identifying these individuals as drug traffickers.
Following one particular attack, he stated: “We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs.”
“This was not an innocent group of people. I don’t know too many people who have submarines, and that was an attack on a drug-carrying, loaded submarine.”
The specifics of how the U.S. might enact these lethal measures on land remain unclear, though there are reports suggesting Trump’s administration has considered utilizing an elite aviation unit.
The unit in question, reportedly referred to as the ‘night stalker’ regiment, is part of the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
According to a report by the New York Times, a U.S. official, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that this helicopter squadron has been conducting training exercises in preparation for potential military operations in Venezuela.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has confirmed that covert operations in Venezuela, conducted by the CIA, have been given the green light.