Trump Deploys 4,000 Marines. They’re “Going Against Drug Traffickers” in the Seas of Latin America and the Caribbean

President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 marines in the waters of Latin America and the Caribbean, according to CNN. The action is allegedly related to his plan to combat drug trafficking and prevent the entry of drugs into the United States; however, an underlying motive has not been ruled out.

In recent weeks, the US government has launched a campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, for whom a $50 million reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest, considering him a “narco-terrorist.” He has also been seized over $700 million in real estate. Given this background, the deployment of US marine forces in the waters of Latin America and the Caribbean could be interpreted as Trump’s strategy to carry out an operation in Venezuelan territory that will lead to Maduro’s overthrow.

On the morning of Friday, August 15, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was questioned about the alleged deployment of troops ordered by the United States, to which she reaffirmed Mexico’s position on respect for the sovereignty of all countries. “Our opinion will always be the self-determination of the people, not only in the case of Mexico, but in all the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean,” the federal leader commented.

According to CNN, the US armed forces plan to send marines and sailors to the seas of Latin America and the Caribbean, information that was reportedly revealed by two US Department of Defense officials, whose identities were not revealed.

The marine units’ primary objective would be “to confront threats to the national security of the United States from specially designated narcoterrorist organizations in the region,” according to statements from a third person cited by CNN.

Another official emphasized that this action by the US government was initially intended to demonstrate the country’s military power and send a message; however, military action is not ruled out if Trump so orders.

The expedition “is ready to execute legal orders and support combatant commanders in whatever needs are requested,” one of the US State Department officials told the media outlet, who also indicated concern among some defense officials about this deployment.

CNN reported in its publication that the officials’ concern stemmed from the fact that, in their opinion, the deployed Marines might not be trained to carry out operations related to drug interdiction or potential confrontations with organized crime groups.