On Thursday, United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz asserted that President Trump is prepared to take any necessary measures to protect the United States from “terrorist” drug gangs originating from Venezuela.
This statement came shortly after Trump announced he had given clearance to the CIA to initiate secret anti-government actions within Venezuela as part of his broader anti-drug trafficking initiative.
Waltz emphasized during an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” saying, “These are designated terrorist organizations.”
Waltz stated, “President Trump will utilize every available resource, including the intelligence community and military capabilities, and pursue diplomatic solutions to safeguard U.S. sovereignty against threats that pose a risk to American lives.”
This follows Trump’s confirmation on Wednesday regarding his covert CIA directives and his consideration of targeting Venezuelan drug cartels on land, having already disrupted several drug-trafficking vessels at sea.
Waltz also dismissed claims from Venezuela to the UN alleging that the Trump administration’s actions were breaches of international law after recent maritime strikes.
“Venezuela can present their grievances to the UN,” Waltz remarked.
“It’s important to note that Article 51 of the UN Charter supports a nation’s right to self-defense, and that’s precisely what President Trump is executing.”
Trump has previously threatened to escalate his anti-drug military efforts to include land-based targets, following the initial authorization for bombing Venezuelan ships on September 2.
He asserted that these operations are estimated to have resulted in the deaths of at least 27 alleged “narco-terrorists.”
Defending his strategy, Trump argued that the U.S. Coast Guard has struggled to control the influx of drugs into the nation for decades.
