Trump's Venezuela Campaign Is Part of a Broader Regional Plan, Experts Say

"The U.S. has deployed more than 15,000 troops to the region and carried out airstrikes on over 20 boats, killing at least 83 people in operations the White House has justified, without providing evidence, as targeting drug traffickers. On Monday, the administration also designated the so-called Cártel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging President Nicolás Maduro leads the group."

"He explains that while some parts of the Venezuelan military are involved in the drug trade, "these people are in it for the money," and declaring them terrorists is "ridiculous." This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form. We also speak with Alexander Aviña, associate professor of Latin American history at Arizona State University, who says the anti-Maduro campaign is part of a "broader plan" to remake the entire region."

The U.S. has deployed more than 15,000 troops across the Caribbean and escalated naval and aerial activity near Venezuela. Airstrikes on over 20 boats reportedly killed at least 83 people in operations the White House described as targeting drug traffickers without providing evidence. The administration designated the so-called Cártel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging links to President Nicolás Maduro. Analysts note that some Venezuelan military personnel engage in drug trafficking for profit but dispute labeling the group a cartel or terrorists. Some observers characterize the anti-Maduro campaign as part of a broader regional strategy.

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