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In recent speeches, senior U.S. government officials have made it clear that the military campaign against Venezuela-related drug trafficking could extend beyond the sea: the U.S. does not rule out ground attacks within Venezuelan territory if drug trafficking groups attempt to evade maritime operations.
Keys to the announcement, reactions and legal risks
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that several recent naval attacks have been so effective that cartels may be forced to change their routes, shifting to land routes.
President Donald Trump has ordered multiple attacks on vessels allegedly linked to Venezuelan drug trafficking, calling those involved "narcoterrorists" and claiming they were transporting drugs to the U.S.
The U.S. government has sent letters to Congress declaring the existence of a "non-international armed conflict" with Latin American cartels, which allows for the use of force under alleged war powers.
From Caracas, the government led by Nicolás Maduro has condemned the actions as an attack on national sovereignty. Venezuelan officials warn that any operation within the country would be considered an invasion.
International law experts have expressed concern: they criticize the lack of clarity regarding evidence directly linking the attacked vessels to drug trafficking, and warn that attacks on Venezuelan territory could violate international norms on sovereignty and human rights.
What's next for Venezuela
What's expected in the coming days includes:
- Possible concrete announcement of ground military options if it is documented that drug traffickers are using internal routes from Venezuela to cross into other countries.
- Intense Venezuelan diplomatic reaction, with calls for international organizations to intervene or mediate.
- Debates in the U.S. about the legality of these actions, especially in relation to congressional authorization, laws of armed conflict, and human rights.
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