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LAUNCH ON ‘LITTLE VENICE.’

Rising speculation why small vessels are blown up at sea d by the United States is unclear. Can aircraft, drones, satellite technology and military ships determine without ‘assuming‘ or ‘speculating‘ IS THAT A DRUG BOAT? A level of certainty the military has that a vessel might be hauling drugs before striking determines on a combination of intelligence data and is generally a ‘reasonable assessment‘ without ‘absolute proof’ or ‘physical inspection‘. The U.S. government maintains that military strikes are based on ‘solid intelligence‘, though publicly provided information is sometimes limited for operational security purposes. 

Military intelligence applies a layered approach to track suspected drug vessels, often starting from the drugs’ source. Military or Coast Guard maritime patrol aircraft (such as Navy P-8 Poseidon’s or Coast Guard HC-130s), visually observes drug cargo or packaging, consistent with illicit trafficking.   Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)intercepts communications, such as radio traffic or mobile phone data, are a central correlation of intelligence gathering (associated with drug trafficking or provide coded messages about cargo and routes). ‘Imagery and Satellite Data‘ such as visual imagery from satellites and drones provides extensive surveillance capabilities, tracking vessels for long durations. This can help identify the type of boat (e.g., ‘go-fast ‘ vessels designed for smuggling and movement from known drug-processing locations). ‘Human Intelligence (HUMINT),’ such with informants in other countries contribute to building a comprehensive intelligence picture of cartel operations and specific shipments.

The U.S. has conducted military strikes using bombs and missiles on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific in late 2025, and near the Venezuelan coast. These strikes carried out by the U.S. military (Navy, etc.) from the Trump administration against drug cartels described as ‘unlawful combatants‘ in an ‘armed conflict’. It is clear by this article, resourceful intelligence step by step approaches and decided action determines.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a long-standing role in drug intercepting and prohibiting. Typically their past approach involved apprehending suspects and seizing cargo, not using lethal force to destroy vessels . Farewell from standard Coast Guard procedures, now facing scrutinizing congressional inquiry.

According to Julian Barne, National Security Reporter interviewed by the NY Times stated: That the facts do not support a key part of the drug trade. Chiefly. the cartels between Columbia (cocaine) and Mexico (fentanyl), are the central smuggling pioneers of drug smuggling into the U.S from the Pacific and not Venezuela. Basically, Venezuela might not be a central homecoming between Mexico and Columbia for the drug cartels is undetermined, Former President Hugo Chavez or President Maduoro could or not receive stipends from the Columbian cartel(s) for an open sea port through Venezuela is to be investigated.

Drug smugglers departing Venezuela from Columbia primarily use ‘go-fast” boats‘ and ‘fishing vessels‘ from several informal coastal points, rather than specific, well-defined large commercial ports to move drugs a short distance from the Venezuelan coast to nearby transshipment points. Trafficking activity is noted around the Paria Peninsula and Margarita Island.  Although, the Coast Guard strikes against ‘open-air‘ smaller vessels within international waters claims of drug smugglers and not at risk Venezuelan migrants in plight to American shores? Of missile strikes, have perishable debris floating amidst the ocean waves salvaged for cargo drugs and other evidence ?

Drug cargo is often transferred in international waters or at nearby Caribbean islands and European overseas territories (such as Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Martinique, and Guadeloupe), then, onto larger vessels for the main journey. Some drugs make their way to the U.S. The majority of cocaine trafficked through Venezuela is ultimately destined for the more profitable European market, sometimes via West Africa. Well, are Coast Guard strikes on international waves ‘some of the drugs’ or ‘sailing migrant victims’? Subsequently smaller boats by cartels and, smugglers have also used fishing vessels and semi-submersibles for drug transport across the Atlantic Ocean to Spain and other parts of Europe. However, the lack of security along the extensive Venezuelan coast allows for a variety of launching points convenient for cartel travel.  Yet, drug traffickers merely operate with the assistance of corrupt military and political officials, and by their positions reassure safe passage, establishing a ‘pattern of corruption’ contrary to a formal cartel association. 

TRUMPS WAR… For drugs or oil:

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels, primarily heavy crude in the Orinoco Belt, however, struggles with low production due to underinvestment, sanctions, and complex extraction. Venezuela reserves mystically dwarf those of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Years of mismanagement and lack of capital for upgrading technology and infrastructure have severely dampened the output in Venezuelan oil industry, with limited ability to exploit them.  U.S. sanctions greatly impacted Venezuela’s owned oil company, PDVSA. And beyond proven reserves, Venezuela also has vast deposits of oil sands and bitumen, similar in size to Canada’s reserves (as cited, Wikipedia). As for economic Importance, oil is crucial for Venezuela’s economy, though its diminished production means it earns significantly less from exports than its reserves would suggest. Would Trumps engagement of war with ‘Little Venice’ (Venezuela), pump oil into U.S. reserve in part to reduce fuel cost and help an American economy?

Reference

Barne, J., (11/27/2025) Why is the United States threatening Venezuala. Publioshed by NY Times. Youtube.com

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Wikipedia