• Editor in the night newsroom

This can lead to potential conflicts with local authorities, particularly in Venezuela and Colombia

Donald Trump has announced that America will soon launch attacks on targets inside Venezuela, shifting the focus of the war on drugs from the sea to the land. The statement comes as the region faces rising tensions, with the campaign against drug traffickers entering a new phase with escalating tensions in Latin America.

Trump's announcement marks a significant shift in America's anti-drug-trafficking strategy. Until now, attacks have targeted ships suspected of carrying drugs, but the shift to land targets in Venezuela could lead to more serious consequences, including potential clashes with local authorities. This move further complicates US relations with Latin American countries, especially Colombia.

"We will not limit the attacks only to Venezuela"

- We will start these attacks on land as well. We know where they live. We know where the bad guys are and we will start soon - Trump said during the cabinet meeting, as reported by local media.

He added that the attacks may not be limited to Venezuela, but will target anyone who produces or sells drugs that end up in the US.

- Anyone who produces drugs or"sells them to our country" could be a target, said US President Donald Trump, adding that he had heard that there are cocaine factories in Colombia.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegsett said today, during the session of the US government, that the Pentagon will continue operations against alleged"drug boats", including the case of a ship that, as confirmed by the White House, was hit twice, adding that the administration fully supports the commanders on the ground.

Hegseth: We send 'narco-terrorists' to the bottom of the ocean

"As I've said and I'll say it again, t we've started sinking 'drug boats' and sending 'drug terrorists' to the bottom of the ocean. They're poisoning the American people, and (former US President) Joe Biden was trying to be nice to them," Hegsett said, according to CBS News.

Hegseth stated that he watched a live broadcast of the attack on the vessel that was allegedly transporting drugs, and pointed out that he"did not see that there were any survivors" before the second attack on the vessel was launched.

The Ministry of Defense has faced criticism over previous attacks on ships suspected of smuggling drugs from Venezuela, and the criticism intensified after it was revealed that a second attack had been carried out on the ship after the initial attack did not kill everyone on board.

Disputed attacks on ships

Trump defended the actions, claiming they were necessary to protect the US, but admitted that neither he nor Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were aware of the details of the second attack in the Caribbean.

Hegseth stated that he"watched the first attack live", but that he was not aware of subsequent actions involving survivors. He supported the decision of Admiral Frank M. Bradley, who ordered a second attack, noting that the campaign against the smugglers had only just begun.