US Military Operations in Venezuela: A Pentagon Briefing

US Operations Against Narco-Terrorism

• 🎯 The US has been conducting air and sea strikes for over 90 days in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, targeting narco-terrorists attempting to bring drugs into the United States.
• 🚢 The operation involves significant naval assets, including the USS Gerald Ford, with nearly 20% of the Navy deployed in the Southcom AOR.
• 🇺🇸 The priority has shifted to homeland defense, protecting US shores and the southern border, with a focus on dismantling drug trafficking threats.

Venezuela Policy and Public Opinion

• 📊 A CBS/YouGov poll indicates 76% of Americans want the administration to explain its position on military force in Venezuela, with 53% supporting strikes against narco-terrorists but 70% against military action in Venezuela.
• 🗣️ President Trump has stated intentions to expand strikes to land within Venezuela, raising concerns and drawing parallels to the Iraq War.
• ⚖️ The US has increased the reward for information leading to Nicolas Maduro's arrest to $50 million, citing narcotics trafficking charges.

Geopolitical Context and Maduro's Regime

• 🤝 Recent developments, including a prisoner exchange and resumption of Venezuelan oil exports through Chevron, occurred before the strikes began.
• 🇨🇳 Venezuela is primarily a transport hub for cocaine, with precursor ingredients for fentanyl largely originating from China and Mexico being the main conduit.
• 💰 Venezuela reportedly offered the US access to oil and gold industries, preferential contracts, and a reversal of oil exports from China in exchange for sanctions relief, an offer the Trump administration rejected.

"Cartel of the Sun" Designation

• ☀️ The "Cartel of the Sun" is a slang term for corrupt military and law enforcement officials involved in drug running, with insignia on their uniforms.
• ⚖️ Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the "Cartel of the Sun" a foreign terrorist organization, naming Maduro as its head.
• ❓ This designation provides the US with planning options for various scenarios, potentially allowing for kinetic action against members of the Venezuelan government.

US Strategy and Future Outlook

• 🗺️ The US aims for a secure Western Hemisphere dominated by America, emphasizing an "America First" approach.
• 🚫 The administration states it does not seek nation building or regime change in Venezuela, focusing instead on clear end states and objectives.
• 🤝 The US continues to work with allies like Colombia and Mexico on joint patrols and training, while prioritizing national security and America's interests.