The US military has launched a military attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea. The American official said that for the first time some people survived in this attack, which is different from all the attacks till now. In such a situation, relations between America and Venezuela are becoming tense. US President Donald Trump has called Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro an ‘illegal president’. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said that according to Trump, Maduro is running an illegitimate regime and does not legitimately represent the Venezuelan people.
According to the report of news agency Reuters, the American official, on the condition of keeping his identity confidential, said that the information about this American attack is limited, but now questions are being raised whether the American army helped the survivors or they are now in American custody. However, the Pentagon has not commented on this at present. The US Defense Department had earlier described those targeted as ‘narco-terrorists’.
27 people have died so far, legal dispute deepens
before this America At least 27 people were killed in attacks on suspected drug boats near Venezuela. Regarding these attacks, many legal experts and Democrat lawmakers had raised questions whether these actions were in accordance with the laws of war.
At the same time, the Trump administration argues that America is already Venezuela is involved in the war against narco-terrorist groups, so these attacks are legitimate. Videos released by the Trump administration showed boats completely destroyed in earlier attacks, and there were no reports of survivors.
US military buildup in the Caribbean Sea
Amidst these attacks, the US Army has increased its military deployment in the Caribbean region, which includes guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter planes, a nuclear submarine and about 6500 soldiers. According to experts, President Donald Trump is intensifying the conflict with the Venezuelan government. On Wednesday, Trump said he had given the CIA permission to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, increasing speculation in Caracas that the US is trying to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Venezuela complained to the United Nations
Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada has sent a letter to the UN Security Council, calling on the US to declare the coastal attacks illegal and support Venezuela’s sovereignty.
New task force will be formed, Southern Command removed
Last week, the Pentagon announced that now the US counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean region will be commanded by a new task force instead of the Miami-based ‘Southern Command’. The task force will be operated by the II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, which is known for rapid overseas military operations. This change is being considered shocking in American military circles, because usually the command of such high-profile operations rests with the Southern Command.
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