Trump Signals U.S. May Soon Target Venezuelan Drug Traffickers on Land. President Trump says the U.S. could “very soon” begin land operations against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers, expanding a campaign previously limited to the Caribbean Sea. Speaking during Thanksgiving remarks to U.S. troops, Trump said maritime trafficking is “about 85% stopped by sea” and described land operations as “easier” and imminent. The U.S. has increased military activity around Venezuela for months, carrying out nearly two dozen strikes on alleged drug-carrying vessels since September, killing at least 82 people. The USS Gerald R. Ford’s arrival in the Caribbean marks one of the largest regional military buildups in decades. Last week, Washington designated Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging President Nicolás Maduro is involved—claims he denies. The escalation has stirred concerns of potential U.S. strikes inside Venezuela, though Trump maintains he might still “talk to Maduro” if it could reduce tensions. The White House says targeting narcotraffickers will continue, despite experts noting that most cocaine moved via Caribbean vessels is destined for Europe, not the U.S.