US Military Strikes on Venezuelan Boats Spark Fears of Regime Change in the Americas

US Military Strikes on Venezuelan Boats Raise Fears of Regime Change CARACAS, Venezuela - The United States has carried out at least five lethal airstrikes on civilian boats in the Caribbean since early September, killing 27 people. The strikes have been attributed to the US military's efforts to target Venezuelan drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations by the Trump administration. According to a letter sent to Congress by President Donald Trump, the US is now in a state of armed conflict with these cartels. However, critics argue that the true intention behind the airstrikes may be regime change in Venezuela, which has been under economic and diplomatic pressure from the US for years. "We are concerned about the escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela," said a spokesperson for the Organization of American States (OAS). "The use of military force should always be a last resort, and we urge both parties to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences peacefully." The Venezuelan government has accused the US of attempting to destabilize its economy and undermine President Nicolas Maduro's administration. Maduro has been in power since 2013, following the death of his predecessor Hugo Chavez. Venezuela has long been a major supplier of oil to the US, but relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly over the past few years due to differences over trade, human rights, and democracy. The US has imposed severe economic sanctions on Venezuela, which has led to widespread poverty and food shortages in the country. The US military's actions in the Caribbean have also raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the region. "This could be the start of regime change," said Joshua Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox who has been tracking the situation. "The US is sending a clear message to Maduro that it will not tolerate his rule." As tensions continue to escalate, the international community is watching closely for any further developments. The United Nations has called on both parties to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences peacefully. Background: Venezuela's economy has been in crisis since 2013, with hyperinflation and food shortages affecting millions of people. The country's oil industry, which accounts for the majority of its exports, has also been severely impacted by US sanctions. The Trump administration has designated several Venezuelan officials as terrorists, including Maduro himself. The US has also imposed severe economic sanctions on Venezuela, which have led to widespread poverty and food shortages in the country. Perspectives: "We are concerned about the escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela," said a spokesperson for the Organization of American States (OAS). "The use of military force should always be a last resort, and we urge both parties to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences peacefully." "This could be the start of regime change," said Joshua Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox who has been tracking the situation. "The US is sending a clear message to Maduro that it will not tolerate his rule." Current Status: The US military continues to carry out airstrikes on Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean, while the international community watches closely for any further developments. Next Developments: The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The next few days are likely to be crucial in determining whether tensions will escalate into a full-blown conflict or if diplomatic efforts can prevail. *Reporting by Vox.*