Maduro Pleads for Peace with Trump, Hegseth Compares Venezuelan Cartels to Al-Qaeda

U.S. Border Security and Venezuela

• 🇺🇸 The U.S. asserts it has locked down the southwest border with 100% control, stopping an "invasion" and moving to the offense.
• 🚫 Claims of U.S. B1 bomber deployment near Venezuela are denied as false, but the U.S. expresses unhappiness with Venezuela over issues like drug trafficking and prisoner releases.
• ⚖️ The Biden administration's handling of border security is contrasted with previous policies, with current borders described as the strongest ever.

Counter-Cartel Operations as Counter-Terrorism

• 🎯 Venezuelan cartels are equated to foreign terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
• 💥 The U.S. vows to hunt down, map networks, and kill individuals involved in bringing drugs into the country, stating they will be treated like terrorists.
• 📈 It is estimated that striking these cartel boats saves 25,000 American lives by preventing drugs from entering the U.S.

Maduro's Plea for Peace

• 🕊️ Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleads for "no crazy war" with former President Trump, emphasizing a desire for peace.
• 🗣️ Maduro urges Trump to avoid initiating a war, highlighting potential regional dangers and consequences.