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Trump Shifts Anti-Cartel Operations to Land Amid Strikes

10/6/2025

25 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Trump said United States anti-cartel operations would shift from sea to land, citing strikes off Venezuela.
He said the Navy left Caribbean waters boat-free, including fishing vessels.
The Pentagon confirmed another vessel strike on Saturday, the fourth attack in weeks, with at least 21 fatalities.
President Trump signaled action could target land routes; Russia condemned strikes and backed Venezuela.

History

Historical Context

In 1989, the U.S. initiated Operation Just Cause, deploying over 27,000 troops to Panama to capture drug lord Manuel Noriega, linked to the Medellín Cartel. This operation followed earlier efforts like the South Florida Task Force, established in 1982 to combat rising drug trafficking. Today, U.S. strategies are shifting back to land routes, reflecting historical patterns in anti-drug operations.

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Story summary

President Trump said United States anti-cartel operations would shift from sea to land, citing strikes off Venezuela.
He said the Navy left Caribbean waters boat-free, including fishing vessels.
The Pentagon confirmed another vessel strike on Saturday, the fourth attack in weeks, with at least 21 fatalities.
President Trump signaled action could target land routes; Russia condemned strikes and backed Venezuela.

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