7 Key Points About U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela

1.Why is Chuck Schumer demanding a briefing on Venezuela?

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio to provide a classified briefing to all senators about Trump administration plans for military operations in Venezuela. Schumer accused the administration of failing to consult with Congress on the military buildup in the region. He warned that Americans do not want "another endless war," signaling Democratic concerns about potential escalation without legislative oversight.

2. What is the military doing in Panama?

The U.S. military has revived jungle warfare training in Panama for the first time in more than 20 years. The training is part of the new "Combined Jungle Operations Training Course," where soldiers last month conducted weapons drills and learned survival techniques including building shelters, purifying water, and navigating thick vegetation. This revival comes amid escalating tensions with Venezuela and represents a significant shift in U.S. military posture in the region.

3. How many military strikes has the U.S. conducted in the Caribbean?

Since September, the Trump administration has ordered attacks on over 20 alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing a total of 83 people. The most recent strike occurred on Sunday after the USS Gerald R. Ford reached the Caribbean, when U.S. forces attacked another boat and killed three people. These operations are conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear, a counternarcotics task force within Southcom that was formed in October. The administration has labeled those killed as "narco-terrorists."

4. What is the Cartel de los Soles?

The Cartel de los Soles is a Venezuelan criminal network that the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization on Sunday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims the cartel is headed by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking officials who have corrupted Venezuela's military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. 

5. How did Democrats react to previous briefings about these operations?

Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee appeared irritated and frustrated following a classified briefing last month regarding strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs across the Caribbean. Their reaction suggests growing concern among Democratic lawmakers about the scope and transparency of military operations in the region. The frustration has now escalated to Schumer's public demand for a full Senate briefing.

6. What has President Trump said about military action in Venezuela?

President Trump told reporters on Air Force One last week that he has "sort of made up" his mind on military operations in Venezuela, though he declined to provide specifics. Trump claimed the administration has "made a lot of progress with Venezuela in terms of stopping drugs from pouring in." His vague comments have fueled speculation about potential direct military action against the Maduro government.

7. How has Venezuela responded to U.S. military buildup?

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for peace between his country and the United States despite the escalating military operations. Maduro's call for peace contrasts sharply with the Trump administration's aggressive posture and designation of his government as a terrorist organization. The disconnect between Maduro's diplomatic overtures and U.S. military actions highlights the deep tensions between the two nations.