09.12.2025 22:05
A report has emerged from Venezuela, which President Donald Trump has accused of being at the center of drug trafficking, increasing the possibility of "war." F/A-18 jets belonging to the U.S. Navy were detected near Venezuelan airspace, where Trump recently stated that they would begin ground operations.
The tension between the US and Venezuela has reached its peak after weeks of escalating conflict. Trump accused Venezuela of being involved in drug trafficking against the US and recently signaled a military operation. He stated that in addition to naval operations, he would soon conduct ground operations.
US F-16S IN VENEZUELAN AIRSPACE
While it remains uncertain where the tension between the US and Venezuela will lead, recent images have increased the likelihood of war. F/A-18 jets belonging to the US Navy were detected near Venezuelan airspace.
TRUMP: MADURO HAS COUNTED DAYS LEFT
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump conducted a highly publicized interview with journalist Dasha Burns at the White House. He stated that the US administration could further expand military measures against targets allegedly linked to drug trafficking in Latin America, saying, "Maduro has counted days left."
WHAT HAPPENED?
US President Donald Trump ordered the military to be used more extensively and effectively under the pretext of 'on-site combat' against drug cartels of Latin American origin. The US claims that Maduro has led the 'Cartel de los Soles', responsible for drug trafficking to the US for over a decade, and on July 25, designated the 'Cartel de los Soles' as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist.'
The US administration also raised the previously announced reward of $25 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction to $50 million on August 8. Following Trump's orders, a submarine and seven warships were sent to the waters off Venezuela on August 29. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the military is ready for operations, including regime change in Venezuela.
In response, Maduro announced on September 5 that he had mobilized 4.5 million militia forces and was ready to repel any attack. Subsequently, the US sent the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, and its strike group to the Latin America region under the pretext of 'combating drug trafficking.' The USS Gerald R. Ford strike group consists of over 4,000 sailors and nine tactical air squadrons.
Later, the US added the Cartel de los Soles, which it claims is run by Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials, to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO). Venezuela described the US's move regarding the Cartel de los Soles, which it does not acknowledge, as a 'pretext' for intervention in the country. Trump recently stated that Venezuelan airspace would be completely closed off.