Recent military operations by the U.S. government in Venezuela have focused on disrupting the activities of the Cartel de los Soles, a group associated with the Venezuelan military and implicated in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering. This cartel has been identified as a significant player in the illicit drug trade, particularly in connection with the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere.

Under the administration of President Donald Trump, both the Cartel de los Soles and the Sinaloa Cartel have been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), which has facilitated asset seizures and military operations against these groups. The U.S. military actions are intended to disrupt cartel operations, which have been exacerbated by corruption within Venezuelan state institutions.

Venezuela's geographical proximity to Colombia's cocaine-producing regions makes it a critical transit hub for illegal drugs. The recent military actions are expected to temporarily hinder cartel activities, including access to airstrips and ports, and may reveal further corruption within the Venezuelan government. However, experts caution that while these operations may disrupt current trafficking routes, they are unlikely to eradicate the influence of drug cartels in the region. The Sinaloa Cartel and other organizations may adapt by shifting their operations to alternative routes, potentially increasing their activities in neighboring countries.

In a related development, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles indicated that the U.S. strategy includes targeting vessels associated with drug trafficking rather than conducting direct military incursions on Venezuelan territory. The strikes, authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, with at least 87 individuals killed in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific as part of this campaign.

While the administration emphasizes a commitment to combating drug trafficking, critics have raised ethical concerns regarding the high human cost of these military actions, questioning the justification for lethal measures against drug smuggling, which is not typically considered a capital offense. Wiles noted that while the president does not seek a formal declaration of war from Congress for these maritime operations, any potential ground invasion would require congressional approval, prompting discussions about the legal authority of the administration to conduct these strikes without legislative oversight.

This situation underscores the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, particularly the tension between combating drug trafficking and addressing the humanitarian consequences of military interventions.