Trump Sinks 5th Drug Boat.
US Painting Strikes as Self-Defence.
US warships have been attacking boats off the coast of Venezuela. The US accuses these vessels of drug running off the coast of Venezuela and Colombia. The number of ships struck by the US is now at 5. The latest one was this week. The US says it is acting in self-defence, but lawyers have accused the US of breaking international maritime law. On TruthSocial, Trump's equivalent of Facebook, Trump said the US has intelligence that these craft are drug-running operations or "narcoterrorists ".
The US has produced no evidence of the nationality of the slain on board this alleged narco vessel. Trump says US warships have been tracking these boats, and they sail along a route known to be used by drug runners. Trump made it clear from the outset that he would come down hard on those supplying drugs into the US. And who can blame him, as hard drugs are an epidemic in Western countries.
Of course, Colombia and Venezuela have condemned these strikes. Both countries probably have a vested interest in seeing these vessels sell their contraband. It fuels their economy on the black market, especially in Venezuela. The US and Venezuela have a long-standing problem. Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela, has been a thorn in the side of the US. Trump has no time for this moustachioed Saddam lookalike. In Trump's first term, the US interfered in Venezuelan elections, which were rigged anyway in favour of Maduro. Trump had an alternative candidate to Maduro. However, the US's preferred man did not become president. Maduro, under his rigged system, remained president in Venezuela. The US has a reputation for interfering in South America in regimes that are a little too left for its liking. This is the case with Nicolas Maduro.
Trump has placed a bounty on the head of Maduro for his arrest. $50 million or 37 million British Pounds. It's amazing how the US chooses its enemies. For example, Benjamin Netanyahu is a wanted war criminal and yet the US and especially Trump, back him to the hilt. He might be a bogeyman to many, but he is Trump's bogeyman. That's what makes the difference between men like Maduro and Netanyahu. Both bad men with dictatorial tendencies, but the US has allowed Netanyahu to get away with all manner of crimes. Whereas with Maduro, because he refuses to dance to the US's tune, he is an enemy. And that has always been the case; if a dictator dances to the US tune, then great, you have the US's full backing. Conversely, if that dictator is not aligned with the US, then woe be tide that leader.
Many think based on observations that the US could be preparing to go to war with Venezuela. Or invade the country, or even launch bombing runs or missile strikes on the country. There have been alleged standoffs between the US and Venezuela. US and Venezuelan military vessels have had standoffs. Recently, Venezuelan F-16 fighters buzzed a US naval patrol. So the tension is as thick as it gets between Maduro and Trump.
Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and China have built strong relationships with Maduro. This makes Maduro even more of an enemy to the US, having links with these nations, as they are also nominally or actual enemies of the US. Venezuela also has oil that it obviously sells to these nations, apart from Iran, which is an oil producer itself.
Trump has said he doesn't want to get involved in forever wars like the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Trump has taken military action against enemies, but he draws the line at going to war. How the situation with Venezuela plays out remains to be seen.
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
Keep reading
More stories from Nicholas Bishop and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Keir Starmer Describes The UK's Role in Trump's Middle Eastern Peace Plan.
As Trump's peace plan comes into play, Sir Keir Starmer has been speaking about what the UK could bring to the table. Sir Keir described the Trump Peace Plan as a "historic day". Mr. Starmer said, "What happens tomorrow really matters, and that's why I've been discussing with leaders all day is what part can we play?". Sir Keir stated, "And we, in the UK in particular, I think, can play a part in monitoring the ceasefire, but also decommissioning the capability of Hamas and their weaponry, drawing on our experience in Northern Ireland. So the question today has already moved to, how do we implement, how do we make sure this moves forward? It's really important we keep the focus. We mustn't (make) any missteps now".
By Nicholas Bishop3 months ago in The Swamp
Venezuelans Hopeful of Regime Change Dismayed as Government Appears to Remain the Same
Venezuela, a nation once hailed for its vast oil reserves and economic potential, continues to grapple with political instability, economic decline, and social unrest. For many Venezuelans who hoped that recent political shifts might bring meaningful change, the reality has been disheartening: despite international attention and internal calls for reform, the government appears largely unchanged, leaving citizens frustrated and wary about the future. The Roots of Hope Over the past decade, Venezuela has endured hyperinflation, severe shortages of basic goods, and a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee the country. Opposition movements and civil society groups have long argued that the government’s policies have exacerbated inequality and eroded democratic institutions. In recent years, international attention on the nation’s leadership, combined with high-profile sanctions and political pressure, had kindled hope among many Venezuelans that a shift in governance could restore stability. Citizens who suffered through years of food scarcity, limited healthcare, and shrinking opportunities viewed these developments as a potential turning point—a chance to rebuild their lives in a country they once believed held great promise. The Reality of Continuity However, as events have unfolded, the optimism of many Venezuelans has waned. Government announcements, while occasionally hinting at reforms or dialogue with opposition groups, have often resulted in minimal change. Policies that promised economic relief or political openness have largely failed to materialize, leaving citizens skeptical about the sincerity of the regime’s commitments. Daily life in Venezuela remains challenging. Access to basic goods such as food, medicine, and electricity continues to be erratic, while inflation—though slightly reduced from its peak—still limits purchasing power for ordinary citizens. Public services remain strained, and corruption allegations persist across various levels of government. These realities make it difficult for many to feel that any genuine transformation is underway. The Human Toll For Venezuelans, the impact of stagnant governance is deeply personal. Families continue to struggle to put food on the table, and healthcare shortages mean that treatable illnesses can become life-threatening. Education has been disrupted by economic hardship, leading to concerns about the long-term development of the country’s youth. Psychologically, the sense of disillusionment is palpable. Citizens who once marched for political change now express frustration at the apparent resilience of a system they hoped would reform. Social media platforms are filled with conversations reflecting anger, disappointment, and, at times, resignation—a stark reminder of how political inertia can weigh heavily on an entire population. International Implications The persistence of Venezuela’s government also has significant international consequences. Neighboring countries, particularly Colombia and Brazil, continue to host millions of Venezuelan migrants who fled the economic and social turmoil. The ongoing political stalemate has complicated international negotiations, with foreign powers debating how to balance sanctions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic engagement. For global investors and policymakers, the lack of visible reform signals a continued risk. While Venezuela possesses abundant natural resources, including oil and gas reserves, political uncertainty deters large-scale economic engagement. The international community remains cautious, recognizing that meaningful change is essential before the country can fully stabilize and attract external investment. Looking Ahead: Navigating Uncertainty The outlook for Venezuela remains uncertain. While the government shows few signs of significant reform, opposition voices and civil society groups continue to push for accountability and change. Grassroots initiatives and community-led projects offer some hope, demonstrating that citizens are not entirely resigned to the status quo.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.