The United States has significantly ramped up its operations against drug cartels in Latin America and the Caribbean, combining special operations forces, satellite intelligence, and targeted airstrikes. Recent deployments reflect a more aggressive stance to curb the influx of narcotics, including lethal fentanyl, into the country. Experts note that President Donald Trump’s policy aims to corner the regime of Nicolás Maduro, accused of being one of the leaders of the Cartel of the Suns.
Deployment of Elite Forces
A key unit in these operations is the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers”, which operates MH-60 Black Hawk attack helicopters and “Little Birds” lightweight transports.
They have been deployed off the coast of Venezuela and in the Caribbean, flying less than 90 miles from the Venezuelan coast.
This unit is capable of deploying elite forces such as SEALs, Green Berets, and Delta Force personnel on high-risk missions.
The “Little Birds” allow for advanced surveillance and precise strikes against drug trafficking vessels, resulting in the destruction of at least six drug-laden ships.
President Trump highlighted that one of the latest strikes targeted a submarine loaded with illegal drugs, reinforcing his administration’s zero-tolerance policy.
Results and Preliminary Figures
Destroyed ships: 6 vessels off the Venezuelan coast.
Attacked submarine: Confirmed to be carrying illicit narcotics.
Drugs intercepted: Includes fentanyl, cocaine, and other controlled substances.
Analysts emphasize that these operations combine direct attacks with geopolitical pressure, underscored by shows of force like the deployment of B-52 bombers near the Venezuelan coast.
Strategic Objectives
Disruption of trafficking routes: Surveillance helicopters detect and destroy vessels before they reach international or U.S. waters.
Destabilization of cartel structures: Targeted attacks on leaders and strategic operation points.
Pressure on tolerant regimes: The military presence off Venezuela seeks to pressure Nicolás Maduro’s regime, accused by the U.S. of allowing drug transit through its territory.
Retired Colonel Mark Cancian, a defense expert, told New York Post that the blend of air capability, intelligence, and special forces enables the U.S. to act swiftly and effectively against transnational organized crime.
Reactions and Regional Context
Trump: “As long as I’m in charge, the U.S. will not tolerate narco-terrorists by land or sea.”
Venezuela: Maduro has stated that he is making military preparations, but the regime faces a clear disadvantage in armament and response capacity.
Drug market: U.S. pressure could significantly disrupt the flow of narcotics into the U.S., creating tension between cartels and the regimes that facilitate them.
With the participation of Night Stalkers, SEALs, Green Berets, and Delta Force, along with bomber operations and aerial surveillance, the U.S. demonstrates its rapid and decisive response capability against narcoterrorism in the region, sending a clear message: the entry of illegal drugs will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
The U.S. intensifies its attacks against drug cartels in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Night Stalkers of the 160th Regiment, alongside SEALs, Green Berets, and Delta Force, utilize Black Hawk and Little Bird helicopters to target vessels and curb the trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine while Trump increases pressure on Maduro.
U.S., drug cartels, Night Stalkers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Black Hawk, Little Bird, SEALs, Green Berets, Delta Force, Venezuela, Caribbean, Nicolás Maduro, Trump, military operations, drug trafficking, drug submarines, fentanyl, cocaine, targeted attacks, national security, B-52 bombers, drug interception, narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, military deployment.
Individuals: Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, Mark Cancian
Institutions / Military Forces: 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Night Stalkers, SEALs, Green Berets, Delta Force, U.S. Army, White House
Places: Caribbean, Venezuela, Trinidad, United States
Other terms / equipment: MH-60 Black Hawk, Little Bird, B-52 bombers, drug trafficking vessels, drug submarines, narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, special operations.