Surjit Singh Flora
(Asian independent) In recent months, President Trump has been mobilizing a significant military presence in the Caribbean as a means of exerting pressure on Venezuela. To date, the president has deployed that force—an aircraft carrier, at least seven additional warships, hundreds of planes, and 15,000 US troops—to conduct unauthorized strikes on small vessels he alleged were transporting drugs.
The US initiated a “large-scale invasion” of Venezuela on Saturday morning, stating that after months of pressure from Washington, President Nicolas Maduro had been captured, while his wife has since fled the country. Hours after the attack, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to share his thoughts.
The attack has faced condemnation from leaders and critics globally, described as “illegal and senseless,” with arguments highlighting its absence of domestic congressional approval and international legitimacy.
The Mexican government has issued a strong condemnation and rejection of the unilateral military actions undertaken in recent hours by the armed forces of the United States against targets within the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which clearly violate Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations.
“Mexico firmly emphasizes that dialogue remains the sole legitimate and effective approach to addressing existing differences, rather than resorting to aggression against any nation.”
British Prime Minister Starmer chose to ascertain the facts and engage in discussions with President Trump and his allies prior to making any statements. He has clearly stated that he was not involved in the attack whatsoever. It is their belief that global leaders ought to adhere to the law.
Many leaders assert that “this attack demonstrates strength.” This approach does not constitute a sound foreign policy. It conveys a troubling and unsettling message to other influential leaders globally that the U.S. government’s approach to targeting a head of state is deemed acceptable.
However, a significant lesson from American foreign affairs over the past century is that attempts to overthrow even the most despicable regime often result in further complications. The United States struggled to establish a stable government in Afghanistan over two decades and has subsequently engaged in Libya. The involvement of the U.S. military has unfolded through various distinct phases, spanning from naval conflicts in the 19th century to contemporary counterterrorism operations. By early 2026, the United States continues its diplomatic engagement with Libya, maintaining vigilance regarding international threats. Although the tragic consequences of the 2003 war in Iraq continue to affect the United States and the Middle East, it is also important to note that the United States has been undermining Latin American countries, such as Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, by trying to remove governments through force.
Trump’s recently released national security strategy provides a more credible explanation for the attacks on Venezuela. The statement emphasized the intention to reclaim dominance in Latin America: “Following years of oversight, the United States will reaffirm and implement the Monroe Doctrine to restore American leadership in the Western Hemisphere.” The administration, in what is referred to as the “Trump Corollary,” pledges to reposition troops globally to the region, intensify efforts against smugglers at sea, employ lethal force against migrants and drug traffickers, and possibly increase the presence of U.S. troops in the area.
Trump views Venezuela as embodying a perilous and unlawful strategy. By proceeding without any form of international legitimacy, valid legal authority, or domestic backing, Trump jeopardizes the potential to legitimize dictators in China, Russia, and other regions who aim to assert control over their neighbors.
Supporters of Trump assert that he seems to acknowledge the issues associated with the military strategy. In 2016, he stood out among Republican politicians by criticizing the misguided nature of President George W. Bush’s Iraq War. In 2024, he stated, “I’m not going to start wars.” I will put an end to wars.
He is now forsaking that principle, and he is doing so unlawfully. Congress must approve any act of war as mandated by the Constitution. Indeed, presidents often challenge the limits of this law. Mr. Bush sought and received congressional approval for his invasion of Iraq, and subsequent presidents have justified the use of drone strikes against terrorist groups and their supporters by referencing a 2001 law that authorized such actions following the September 11 attacks. Trump, however, lacks any legal basis for his criticisms of Venezuela.
The attack lasted under 30 minutes and featured at least seven explosions that prompted people to flee into the streets, which Trump described in his post as “successful.”
The assault follows months of intensified pressure from the Trump administration on Maduro, characterized by a significant increase in U.S. military presence in South American waters and strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean. Last week, the CIA conducted a drone strike on a docking area thought to be utilized by Venezuelan drug cartels—marking the first known direct action on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. initiated its offensive in September.
Cuba, an ally of Maduro’s government and a longstanding opponent of the U.S., urged the international community to react to what President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez described as a “criminal invasion.”
President Javier Tabas of Argentina applauded his close ally, Trump, for declaring Maduro’s political captivity and referring to him as “long live freedom, tyrant.”
As the situation deteriorates, the Trump administration has encountered criticism for its assertive approach, yet it appears to remain undeterred. It is increasingly displaying its arrogance, insulting and shaming everyone.
World War III appears to be on the verge, and let’s make every effort to prevent it! This occurs with each step it takes.
