The Trump Administration has reportedly decided to strike military installations inside Venezuela within hours or days, according to American media.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to strike military facilities in Venezuela associated with drug smuggling operations linked to Nicolás Maduro. Sources suggest that strikes could target bases used by the Cartel of the Suns to export cocaine, aiming to dismantle the cartel hierarchy. The U.S. claims the cartel is led by Maduro and his associates.

 

Reports indicate that the U.S. Caribbean task force is strategically positioned for potential airstrikes, comprising the USS Iwo Jima and six destroyers. This preparation comes as part of an alleged effort to escalate military actions beyond recent maritime interdictions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at the possibility of direct land-based attacks on Maduro-linked networks.

 

The U.S. military has carried out multiple operations against suspected Venezuelan drug vessels, with 43 individuals killed. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned these actions as "extrajudicial killings" and accused the U.S. of staging a "false-flag operation" to justify an invasion. In response, Maduro has mobilized troops and prepared defenses, warning of potential conflict with the U.S.

 

Key Takeaways

• U.S. plans targeted strikes in Venezuela against drug-smuggling facilities.
• Reports highlight strategic positioning of U.S. naval forces for potential action.
• Venezuelan government condemns U.S. actions and prepares military defenses.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-11-01

 

 

Lets face it, Trump always wins

Whether occupying liberal cities, or attacking a 3rd world dustbins. This should get his minions a howling and drive Epstein, & Prince Andrew Epstein related problems, off the front page. 

8 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

The U.S. military has carried out multiple operations against suspected Venezuelan drug vessels, with 43 individuals killed. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned these actions as "extrajudicial killings"

My response is no different than the one I have when the Thai military mows down drug smugglers along the borders here, good job and keep up the good work of taking out the trash.

13 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

The Trump Administration has reportedly decided to strike military installations inside Venezuela within hours or days, according to American media.

Sending the Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean is ominous. Gunboat diplamacy at is most lethal extent. This ship has more jets onboard than the entire Venezualan airforce. If this is simply a threat is yet to be seen. It obviously has nothing to do with drug running. This is about regime change.

The "Ugly Americans" will again be doing what America has been doing for two centuries since its inception¹:  imposing its imperial will on smaller countries in order to dominate them and take their resources by force of arms.  However, they may be able to maintain a carrier group off of Venezuela and send bombers down from the US and level Caracas using the made up bravo-sierra of "narco-terrorism" as their casus belli, but the moment they land troops on South American soil, it will be game on and Vietnam 2.0.  Trump may not grasp Latin America's historical dislike of the US, but if a Latin American country is invaded - in this case to control its oil, rare earth and other mining and agricultural industries - countries in South America and Central America are going to coalesce like never before in order to kick the American presence out of Latin America once and for all...even if it takes 10 or 20 years to grind the US down like in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Like US troops in Vietnam, US occupying forces in Venezuela (and Columbia?) will never be allowed a days rest.  Venezuela is a country the size of Texas which is mostly mountains and jungle - perfect bases for insurgencies.  Really, if Russia, China, DPRK, and Iran (and others in the global South) wanted to defang and bleed the US, supporting Venezuela military and insurgent proxies forces to fight the "US invader" using the same justifications as the US and NATO countries use for supporting Ukrainian proxies forces to fight the so-called "Russian invader."  

1) List of Latin American countries attacked by the US since its founding*:
Argentina (1833, 1852, 1890, 1946), Bolivia (1986), Brazil (1894), Chile (1891), Colombia (1860, 1868, 1895, 1962), Costa Rica (1856, 1921), Cuba (1898, 1906, 1912, 1917, 1961), Dominican Republic (1903, 1914, 1916, 1965), Ecuador (1855), El Salvador (1981), Grenada (1983), Guatemala (1920, 1954), Haiti (1915, 1994), Honduras (1903, 1907, 1911, 1912, 1919, 1924, 1988), Mexico (1846, 1859, 1866, 1870, 1913, 1914, 1916), Nicaragua (1854, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1909, 1912, 1981), Panama (1856, 1860, 1865, 1885, 1895, 1903, 1908, 1912, 1918, 1989), Paraguay (1859), Peru (1835, 1965), Uruguay (1855, 1868), Venezuela (1895, 1902).

See any patterns? This isn't a one off.  When you see the historical context, it makes sense.

*Source: GrokAI.

1 hour ago, novacova said:

My response is no different than the one I have when the Thai military mows down drug smugglers along the borders here, good job and keep up the good work of taking out the trash.

That's fine and dandy until you or someone you know and care for becomes the object of a state sponsored extrajudicial murder.

 "It will never happen to me."

Keep telling yourself that.  

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Sending the Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean is ominous. Gunboat diplamacy at is most lethal extent. This ship has more jets onboard than the entire Venezualan airforce. If this is simply a threat is yet to be seen. It obviously has nothing to do with drug running. This is about regime change.

Given the current missile technology, the Gerald R. Ford is a sitting duck - if - a country has access to that technology.  All Russia, China, or Iran need to do is to supply the missiles and targeting support.  In the age of hypersonic missiles, the age of "Gunboat Diplomacy" via Carrier Battle Groups is over. It's just a matter of the first aircraft carrier ending up on the bottom of the ocean.  This isn't an endorsement.  It is an observation.  

I see discontent here from posters often supporting this administration. Good to see some are still using their critical thinking abilities.

3 minutes ago, stevenl said:

I see discontent here from posters often supporting this administration. Good to see some are still using their critical thinking abilities.

 

 

They were using their critical thinking abilities when they voted Trump in.

22 minutes ago, connda said:

Given the current missile technology, the Gerald R. Ford is a sitting duck - if - a country has access to that technology.  All Russia, China, or Iran need to do is to supply the missiles and targeting support.  In the age of hypersonic missiles, the age of "Gunboat Diplomacy" via Carrier Battle Groups is over. It's just a matter of the first aircraft carrier ending up on the bottom of the ocean.  This isn't an endorsement.  It is an observation.  

The carrier has sophisicated anti-missile technolgogy as does the carrier group as a whole along with Grumman E2 Hawkeyes AEW aircraft. Apart from this if you think Russia or China is going to supply Venezuala with their top anti-ship missiles you're fooling youself. 

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Sending the Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean is ominous. Gunboat diplamacy at is most lethal extent. This ship has more jets onboard than the entire Venezualan airforce. If this is simply a threat is yet to be seen. It obviously has nothing to do with drug running. This is about regime change.

I forgot to mention oil. Oil is what Trump wants. Regime change would be a bonus.

42 minutes ago, connda said:

Given the current missile technology, the Gerald R. Ford is a sitting duck - if - a country has access to that technology. 

the hardest part is to pinpoint coordinates, that is incredibly difficult since any platform trying to get coordinates for the carrier is shot

29 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

They were using their critical thinking abilities when they voted Trump in.

And hows that going for you.Owing more money every day the idiot is in charge. The usa is the laughing stock of the world. No longer a super power. Elect a clown ,expect a circus.

1 minute ago, theshu25 said:

And hows that going for you.Owing more money every day the idiot is in charge. The usa is the laughing stock of the world. No longer a super power. Elect a clown ,expect a circus.

To claim that the US is not a super power is ludicrous.

3 minutes ago, theshu25 said:

And hows that going for you.Owing more money every day the idiot is in charge. The usa is the laughing stock of the world. No longer a super power. Elect a clown ,expect a circus.

 

 

Going well.

 

The president has now intervened and ended conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia.
Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict. The agreement pledges to create a major transit corridor in the region that will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, according to the Associated Press.

Just like weapons of mass destruction hey, any excuse to attack soverign nations

 

I'm sure there are thousands of meth labs within the US itself, .....is venezula allowed to strike them also with cruise missiles

 

Absolute ridicolous behaviour by Trump and America again

2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Going well.

 

The president has now intervened and ended conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia.
Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict. The agreement pledges to create a major transit corridor in the region that will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, according to the Associated Press.

You forgot he ended WWII.

44 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

The carrier has sophisicated anti-missile technolgogy as does the carrier group as a whole along with Grumman E2 Hawkeyes AEW aircraft. Apart from this if you think Russia or China is going to supply Venezuala with their top anti-ship missiles you're fooling youself.

Here’s a short reality check:
 

Russia’s Bastion-P (P-800 Oniks) has already been sold to Syria, Vietnam, and India. China’s C-802 series went to Iran and Pakistan, and Iran passed them to the Houthis, who’ve hit ships in the Red Sea. So indirect supply isn’t hypothetical — it’s established practice.
 

The 2019 Pentagon evaluation found the USS Gerald R. Ford hadn’t proven it could defend itself against modern anti-ship missiles. Later upgrades like Aegis integration, SM-6 interceptors, and electronic-warfare suites improved its odds, but no public tests show they work against hypersonic or swarm attacks.
 

Drones now add another problem: they scout targets, guide missiles, and can overwhelm sensors faster than reaction time allows. The Navy’s rolling out laser and EW defences, but coverage is still limited.
 

Carriers remain powerful, just not untouchable, and Hawkeyes are AEW&C, not AEW.

Sources:
https://www.dote.osd.mil/Annual-Reports/2019-Navy.html
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-china-hypersonic-missiles/
https://missilethreat.csis.org/system/bastion-p/
https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/c-802/
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/us-navy-tests-laser-weapons-against-drone-swarms/

What's the good of building so many weapons, at great expense, if you don't use them?

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

The carrier has sophisicated anti-missile technolgogy as does the carrier group as a whole along with Grumman E2 Hawkeyes AEW aircraft. Apart from this if you think Russia or China is going to supply Venezuala with their top anti-ship missiles you're fooling youself. 

The US has been foreshadowing its intentions to provoke a hot-war with China over Taiwan within the next 5 years.  If a carrier goes to the bottom in the Caribbean, the chances of a Carrier Battle Group showing up off of the Chinese mainland reduces in magnitudes.  So, yes, I believe that there is a possibity that Russia or China (or both) will supply Venezuela (and/or Columbia) with hypersonic missiles.  The US doesn't have the technology to shoot them down.  And Russia has every reason to supply a proxy (like Venezuela or Columbia) with weapons.  Why? For the exact same reason as the US is supplying weapons to Ukraine.  But?  Believe what you wish  Time will tell. And I honestly believe it is just a matter of a few years (months) before a large US ship(s) is sunk by a Russian/Chinese proxy armed with modern hypersonic technology.

1 hour ago, connda said:

That's fine and dandy until you or someone you know and care for becomes the object of a state sponsored extrajudicial murder.

 "It will never happen to me."

Keep telling yourself that.  

I’m not a drug smuggler and have never associated with any and don’t plan on it, so I couldn’t care less for criminals who have no constructive purpose in civilization.

3 hours ago, CharlieH said:

The U.S. claims

 

"we had to destroy the village in order win a peace prize, sir."

I want to nominate Trump for the Nobel warmonger prize.

3 hours ago, novacova said:

My response is no different than the one I have when the Thai military mows down drug smugglers along the borders here, good job and keep up the good work of taking out the trash.

 

Let's hope you're given the same opportunity for a fair trial as these "alleged" drug smugglers had.

Just now, NoDisplayName said:

 

Let's hope you're given the same opportunity for a fair trial as these "alleged" drug smugglers had.

You seem concerned about having a drug smuggling trial in your future, why is that one should wonder…

Kenya’s navy intercepts a meth consignment worth $63 million

 

A massive methamphetamine drug haul worth approximately $63 million was seized in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa on Saturday, and six Iranian nationals were taken into custody by authorities.

 

The Kenyan Navy intercepted the consignment some 630 kilometers (391 miles) off the coast of Mombasa in the Indian Ocean and escorted the vessel safely to port under armed guard.

 

https://apnews.com/article/kenya-drugs-meth-mombasa-iran-addiction-navy-7b9d987bdfcd9c56a9ebbb35c42977ba

 

 

Daaaaaaaaaaaamn!  They intercepted the boat, arrested the smugglers, retained the evidence, and now get to hold a trial.

Kenyan president deserves a Nobel in International Justice!

 

How did he manage that when:

 

In its 2023/2024 national budget, Kenya allocated approximately $2.2 billion towards the operations of its national security agencies. These resources will be distributed to the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), National Police Service, and National Intelligence Service.

 

https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/kenya-national-security-budget-approximately-22-billion

 

 

10 minutes ago, novacova said:

You seem concerned about having a drug smuggling trial in your future, why is that one should wonder…

 

I want everyone to have a fair trial, regardless of the accusations.

 

Including Trump, Biden, and Hillary, too.

45 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

What's the good of building so many weapons, at great expense, if you don't use them?

 

“Several months ago, a foreign policy expert on the international level went to advise Donald Trump. And three times [Trump] asked about the use of nuclear weapons. Three times he asked at one point if we had them why can’t we use them,” Scarborough said on his “Morning Joe” program.

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/03/trump-asks-why-us-cant-use-nukes-msnbcs-joe-scarborough-reports.html

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

The carrier has sophisicated anti-missile technolgogy as does the carrier group as a whole along with Grumman E2 Hawkeyes AEW aircraft. Apart from this if you think Russia or China is going to supply Venezuala with their top anti-ship missiles you're fooling youself. 

Russia needs a win to revive arms sales that collapsed after the Ukraine war,
Moscow now might be eager to showcase its hypersonic missiles in real combat.
Look at France — it sold Exocets to a tin-pot Argentina that sank a state-of-the-art UK destroyer,
French missile sales soared overnight.
Nothing sells like a war demo.
 

16 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

“Several months ago, a foreign policy expert on the international level went to advise Donald Trump. And three times [Trump] asked about the use of nuclear weapons. Three times he asked at one point if we had them why can’t we use them,” Scarborough said on his “Morning Joe” program.

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/03/trump-asks-why-us-cant-use-nukes-msnbcs-joe-scarborough-reports.html

 

Joe of Morning Joe, is a complete idiot, of course.

Is this what you are implying here?

 

It's very wise to ask dimwits why we cannot use NUKES.

 

I commend Trump for pointing out the OBVIOUS, using rhetorical language.