Trump Warns Venezuela: Jets Will Be Shot Down if US Ships Threatened

Trump Warns Venezuela: Jets Will Be Shot Down if US Ships Endangered In a statement made on Friday at the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said that Venezuelan jets would be shot down if they pose a threat to U.S. ships. The warning comes as part of an intensified effort by the United States to combat drug trafficking in Latin America. According to sources, when asked about the situation, Trump told his general standing beside him that he could take any action necessary if the situation escalated. "Venezuela would be in trouble," Trump said. The statement is the latest development in a long-standing dispute between the U.S. and Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Since his return to office in January, Trump has stepped up efforts to combat drug trafficking in Latin America, with a particular focus on Venezuela. Maduro has accused the U.S. of seeking "regime change through military threat." When asked about Trump's comments, Maduro's government did not immediately respond. Trump also mentioned a "very strange election" in Venezuela, referring to Maduro's contested inauguration for his third term in January. The U.S. has long been critical of Maduro's leadership and the legitimacy of Venezuelan elections. The situation is further complicated by allegations that members of Tren de Aragua, a gang proscribed as a terrorist organization in the U.S., are living in Venezuela. Trump claimed that "drugs are pouring" into the U.S. from Venezuela, fueling concerns about the country's role in international drug trafficking. The U.S. military has taken steps to bolster its presence in the southern Caribbean, including deploying additional naval vessels and thousands of marines and sailors to combat the flow of illicit goods. Background Venezuela has long been a key player in international efforts to combat drug trafficking, with many countries accusing the country's government of turning a blind eye to narco-trafficking activities. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Venezuelan officials accused of involvement in organized crime. The situation is further complicated by the presence of Tren de Aragua, which has been linked to violence and extortion in Venezuela. The group was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government in 2014. International Perspectives Analysts say that Trump's comments reflect growing concerns about Venezuela's role in international drug trafficking. "The U.S. is taking a hard line on Venezuela, and it's clear that they're not going to tolerate any further involvement in narco-trafficking," said one expert. Others caution that the situation is more complex than it appears. "We need to be careful not to jump to conclusions about Venezuela's role in international drug trafficking," said another analyst. "There are many factors at play here, and we need to consider all perspectives before taking action." Current Status The situation remains tense, with both countries maintaining a hardline stance on the issue. The U.S. has vowed to continue its efforts to combat drug trafficking in Latin America, while Venezuela's government has accused the U.S. of seeking regime change. As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. One thing is clear: the fate of Venezuelan jets and the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations hang in the balance. *Reporting by Bbc.*