Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the U.S. Coast Guard is targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking and of carrying Venezuelan crude as part of efforts to disrupt networks tied to President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. has identified Maduro as leader of the Cartel de los Soles and labeled the group a foreign terrorist organization. Noem said the campaign has included deadly strikes on suspected smuggling vessels and tanker interceptions, and she praised the Coast Guard’s actions while calling for Maduro to be removed.
Noem: U.S. Coast Guard Operations Target Maduro-Linked Networks — "He Needs To Be Gone"
The U.S. Coast Guard is carrying out operations against vessels accused of drug trafficking and of transporting Venezuelan crude oil, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday. She framed the actions as part of a broader effort to disrupt illicit networks tied to President Nicolas Maduro.
Noem told Fox News:
"We’re not just interdicting these ships, but we’re also sending a message around the world that the illegal activity that Maduro is participating in cannot stand, he needs to be gone, and that we will stand up for our people."
The U.S. government has identified Maduro as the leader of the Cartel de los Soles, a drug-trafficking organization that U.S. officials say includes high-ranking Venezuelan government figures. U.S. authorities have also designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization.
Noem said the campaign has included deadly strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels as well as interceptions of oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude. She praised the Coast Guard’s role, calling their crews "rock-star" performers for safely interdicting ships while sending a clear message that illicit flows will be stopped.
Noem added:
"This is an enemy of the United States that we’re taking strong action against, and our Coast Guard is doing a rock-star job going out there and interdicting these ships safely, but also sending a strong message that we will stop this flow and we will continue to stand up for our country."
U.S. officials say these measures form part of a wider strategy that includes sanctions, legal action and diplomatic pressure aimed at networks that allegedly enable transnational narcotics trafficking. Public, independently verifiable details about specific strikes and their outcomes remain limited.
The Venezuelan government has historically denied accusations of state involvement in drug trafficking. The U.S. characterization and actions have heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Reporting: Investing.com.
