标签： South America

In a recent escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the United States has conducted a targeted strike on a suspected drug-smuggling submarine in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in two fatalities and two survivors. President Donald Trump announced via social media that the vessel, allegedly laden with Fentanyl and other illegal narcotics, was intercepted on a known drug-trafficking route. The two survivors, identified as nationals of Ecuador and Colombia, were rescued by a US military helicopter and subsequently transferred to a US warship. They will be repatriated to their home countries for detention and prosecution. This marks the sixth such strike in recent weeks, with at least 27 individuals killed in prior operations off the coast of Venezuela. Trump defended the attacks as necessary to curb the flow of drugs from Latin America into the US, though his administration has yet to provide detailed evidence regarding the vessels or their occupants. UN-appointed human rights experts have criticized the strikes as ‘extrajudicial executions,’ while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Trump of attempting to turn Venezuela into ‘an American colony.’ The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Trump authorizing covert CIA operations in the region and considering further military actions. Narco-submarines, often homemade and difficult to detect, have become a favored method for drug traffickers, posing significant challenges for coastal nations.

In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the United States military launched a strike on a suspected drug-carrying submarine in the Caribbean, marking the first instance of survivors being captured since President Donald Trump initiated these aggressive measures last month. The strike, confirmed by Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, targeted a vessel allegedly designed for transporting large quantities of drugs. Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the presence of survivors but deferred detailed comments pending further investigation. This operation brings the death toll from the Trump administration’s military actions in the region to at least 28. The survivors, now in U.S. custody aboard a Navy vessel, face an uncertain legal future, with questions arising about their status as prisoners of war or criminal defendants. The administration has justified these strikes under the legal authority used in the post-9/11 war on terror, though some legal experts have raised concerns about the legality and international implications of such actions. The strikes have also sparked bipartisan unease in Congress, with lawmakers demanding more transparency and oversight. Meanwhile, reports suggest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has attempted to negotiate with the U.S. by offering stakes in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, though these overtures have been rejected by the White House.

Bolivia, after nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, is witnessing a significant political shift to the right. This change comes in the wake of a severe economic crisis, marked by a collapsing currency, fuel shortages, and widespread public discontent. The recent presidential runoff, held on Sunday, features two conservative, business-friendly candidates, signaling a stark departure from the leftist policies of former President Evo Morales. The MAS party, which has ruled since 2005, suffered a dramatic decline in support in the August 17 elections, barely retaining its legal status as Bolivians expressed a strong desire for change. The incoming president faces the immediate challenge of stabilizing the economy by attracting foreign investment, addressing fuel shortages, and implementing fiscal reforms. Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga, a right-wing former president, advocates for an IMF bailout and stringent fiscal adjustments. His rival, centrist senator Rodrigo Paz, proposes legalizing the black market, phasing out subsidies, and encouraging Bolivians to repatriate their dollars. Amid the worst economic crisis in four decades, many voters remain skeptical about the candidates’ ability to deliver meaningful change. The election outcome will determine the pace and extent of Bolivia’s political and economic transformation, with significant implications for its international relations, particularly with the U.S., China, and Russia.

The Trump administration’s approach to combating drug cartels in Latin America is drawing parallels to the post-9/11 war on terror, with legal scholars questioning the expansion of military power and its implications for international law. President Donald Trump has authorized military strikes against Venezuelan drug traffickers, relying on the same legal framework that justified lethal force against al-Qaida after the 2001 attacks. However, critics argue that this strategy stretches the boundaries of international law, particularly as the U.S. military targets groups primarily engaged in drug trafficking rather than terrorism. The administration has conducted at least five strikes, killing 27 people, without congressional approval or traditional legal investigations, raising concerns about the justification for these actions and their impact on U.S.-Latin American relations. Trump has also hinted at potential covert operations to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, further escalating tensions. Legal experts, including Claire Finkelstein of the University of Pennsylvania, argue that labeling drug cartels as combatants in an ‘armed conflict’ undermines international law. Meanwhile, the U.S. intelligence community disputes claims that Maduro’s administration is orchestrating drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The administration’s focus on Venezuela overlooks the fact that most fentanyl, responsible for the majority of U.S. overdose deaths, is smuggled from Mexico. Despite calls for transparency, the Trump administration has yet to provide evidence to Congress proving the targeted boats were carrying narcotics. The International Criminal Court could investigate the strikes, but its efforts are hampered by internal issues and U.S. sanctions.

In a bid to alleviate escalating U.S. pressure, Venezuelan government officials have reportedly proposed a plan for President Nicolás Maduro to step down from power within three years, according to a former Trump administration official. The plan, which was swiftly rejected by the White House, suggests Maduro would hand over authority to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who would complete his current term until January 2031 without seeking re-election. The U.S. administration dismissed the proposal, citing ongoing concerns over the legitimacy of Maduro’s rule and accusations of Venezuela operating as a narco-terrorist state.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, has announced his retirement, set for December, following a tenure marked by contentious military operations in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America. Holsey, who assumed leadership in November, oversees a region that includes the Caribbean Sea and South American waters. His departure comes just two days after the U.S. military conducted its fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean against a small vessel accused of drug trafficking. The Trump administration has labeled alleged drug traffickers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying the use of military force. This approach has sparked growing frustration on Capitol Hill, with Republicans demanding more information on the legal basis for the strikes, while Democrats argue they violate both U.S. and international law. In a statement on the command’s Facebook page, Holsey expressed pride in his 37 years of service, emphasizing the contributions of the SOUTHCOM team to national defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also praised Holsey’s dedication in a social media post, thanking him for his decades of service. The Pentagon has not provided further details, referring inquiries to Hegseth’s statement. The New York Times first reported Holsey’s retirement plans.