US to Begin Land Strikes on Caribbean Drug Routes
On December 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced at a White House cabinet meeting that "very soon" the US will start conducting land strikes against drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean. This marks a significant shift in the long-running counternarcotics campaign, which has so far relied heavily on maritime operations.
Sea Campaign So Far
- Since September 2, the Pentagon has carried out at least 21 known strikes on alleged drug vessels.
- These operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 83 people aboard these vessels.
- US forces have intercepted an estimated 85 percent of targeted shipments at sea.
Escalation on Land
During his Thanksgiving address to US troops in late November, Trump highlighted the Air Forceâs 7th Bomb Wing for its role in "deterring Venezuelan drug traffickers" and reiterated that land-based strikes would begin "very soon" from his Mar-a-Lago estate. Officials believe that targeting onshore routes could disrupt clandestine networks more effectively.
Military Deployment and Regional Impact
In recent months, the US has deployed around a dozen warshipsâincluding the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fordâand positioned roughly 15,000 troops in the Caribbean Sea, a level of presence not seen in over 30 years. While proponents argue this surge bolsters security and cuts off routes, critics are raising legal and strategic concerns.
Global Reactions and Skepticism
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have questioned whether counternarcotics is the sole objective and have raised alarms about the legal authority for strikes on foreign soil. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied any involvement with drug networks and accused the US of "fabricating" a campaign aimed at regime change.
Whatâs Next?
With land operations set to begin "very soon," regional stability hangs in the balance. Young global citizens, travelers, and industry watchers alike will be monitoring how these strategic shifts affect everything from security and trade to tourism and migration across the Caribbean basin.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
Reference(s):
Trump says U.S. to start land strikes on drug traffickers in Caribbean
cgtn.com
