Trump's Gunboat Diplomacy in the Caribbean
The Trump administration has conducted 10 known strikes on boats off the Venezuelan and Colombian coasts, allegedly carrying drugs destined for the US.
A significant military presence has been amassed in the region, including attack boats, a nuclear-capable submarine, an aircraft carrier strike group, a Marine expeditionary unit, and 10 F-35 fighter jets, totaling around 10,000 soldiers and sailors.
No proof has been offered that the boats carried drugs or were headed to US ports.
The administration's motives and objectives are unclear, raising questions about the disproportionate show of force and the targeting of Venezuela and Colombia for "narco-terrorism" despite not being primary conduits for fentanyl or cocaine.
Author's summary: Trump targets Venezuela with gunboat diplomacy.