US military 'preparing to strike inside Venezuela' in move that would mark major escalation

The Daily Mail ^ | 26 Sep 2025 | Stephen Lepore

[MinorityRepublican]

The United States is planning military strikes in Venezuela against drug cartels in the coming weeks.

Donald Trump is yet to approve the actions which are in response to President Nicolas Maduro, whom the U.S. sees as illegitimate, not doing enough to stop illegal drugs from getting out of Venezuela.

It would largely consist of drone strikes against leaders and members of gangs, as well as drug labs, NBC News reports.

They follow a recent lethal strike on a vessel allegedly affiliated with a terrorist organization 'trafficking illicit narcotics'.

The attack killed 'three male narcoterrorists' took place in the US Southern Command's area of responsibility, the president said.

The White House referred to Trump's prior comments on the matter: 'We’ll see what happens. Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. It’s not acceptable.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Pentagon for comment.

This is a developing story.

[Vermont Lt]

If I were in the Administration I would be sure my kids were safe. Because when the cartels shoot back, it won’t be military. It will be beheading.

Not sure Americans are ready for that stuff.

[lastchance]

Could this be the reason Hegseth’s meeting?

[balch3]

Loose lips sink ships

[Nervous Tick]

My goodness, you’re a worrier.

[Rummyfan]

The White House referred to Trump's prior comments on the matter: 'We’ll see what happens. Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. It’s not acceptable.'

One thing to take out drug runners in international waters. Another thing to launch attacks on Venezuelan soil. And there are bound to be collateral damages.

[Husker24]

I would think Mexico would be responsible for more illegal drugs into the U.S than Venezuela.

[Lurker]

“It’s not acceptable.”

I think he means it.

L

[ealgeone]

Except he's correct.

The cartels will make things very personal.

[Nervous Tick]

Y’all sound like you have a case of TDS.
Or perhaps genetic libertardation?

[AFB-XYZ]

I would think Mexico would be responsible for more illegal drugs into the U.S than Venezuela.

Tren de Aragua (sp.?) is what I'm thinking of. Haven't heard much from them lately.

[ealgeone]

Or a dose of reality.

I'm not saying we don't hit the cartels.....just be prepared for them to hit back.

IF you think they're gonna roll over....get a cup of coffee.

[jacknhoo]

That won’t be tolerated. Not at all.

[Nervous Tick]

>> I would think Mexico would be responsible for more illegal drugs into the U.S than Venezuela.

That used to be the easy route, yes. President Trump shut that pipe of misery down. China+Venezuala had to find alternatives.

[ealgeone]

IF this was 70 years ago I'd agree with you.

But with the Left today they'll be defending the cartels.

[Organic Panic]

If Venezuelan criminal illegal aliensare so good for our country then why aren’t they good for Venezuela? Democrats?

[Nervous Tick]

>> I’m not saying we don’t hit the cartels.....just be prepared for them to hit back.

I’m sure that possibility has, like, totally NOT occurred to President Trump or his administration! You’d better send an email to ‘em RIGHT AWAY. I have no doubt your analysis and early warning will get you a Freedom Medal at the next SOTU address! I’m proud to know you, brave fellow American!

[Fester Chugabrew]

“... is yet to approve . . . .”

Brings out the grammar Nazi in yours truly.

[McCarthysGhost]

I don’t think that the cartels would want to escalate a war with The U.S.

[Georgia Girl 2]

The cartels will be hiding behind a banana tree. 🙄