U.S. Considers Land Strikes in Venezuela Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States is contemplating land-based military operations in Venezuela, according to Senator Lindsey Graham. This development follows a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, which the Trump administration alleges were involved in drug trafficking.

Senator Graham stated that President Trump views Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as an indicted drug trafficker and believes it's time for him to step down. Graham mentioned that the President plans to brief Congress on potential military actions against Venezuela and Colombia upon his return from Asia.

President Trump recently suggested that land strikes could be forthcoming, claiming a significant reduction in drugs entering the U.S. by sea due to the airstrikes. However, he did not provide evidence to support this assertion, and some members of Congress have expressed concerns over the lack of proof that the targeted vessels were carrying drugs.

As of October 24, at least 43 individuals have been killed in U.S. strikes on ten vessels since September 2. The Colombian government has urged the U.S. to adhere to international law and cease these operations.

Senator Graham emphasized that any potential land strikes would not constitute an invasion but reiterated the need for Maduro's removal. He referenced past U.S. military actions in Panama and Grenada as precedents where congressional approval was not sought.

While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, Graham expressed confidence that the administration has the power to conduct such strikes without a formal declaration. He acknowledged that Congress deserves more information and assured that it would be forthcoming.

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the administration's actions, labeling them as "murder" and suggesting that the Coast Guard should handle illegal activities, reserving military force for acts of war with prior congressional consultation. Graham countered by asserting that the operations aim to protect America from narco-terrorists from Venezuela and Colombia.