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With the situation in Latin America becoming increasingly tense, the confrontation between the United States and Venezuela is rapidly escalating. Craig Deare, a former senior official at the U.S. National Security Council, recently told The Daily Mail that "Venezuela is no longer a sovereign state but a regime controlled by a group of terrorist criminal organizations." He called on Washington to take stronger military actions to completely reverse the regional threats posed by Nicolas Maduro's regime.

"Diplomacy is dead, sanctions are ineffective — now only war remains"

Deare, a former Army intelligence officer who long handled Latin American affairs, expressed his disappointment with the "moderate approach" openly: "If the U.S. threatens to use force, it must be willing to actually do so. Otherwise, it will appear weak and encourage enemies to press further."

In his view, years of U.S. diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions have failed to change the course of Maduro's regime. Now, Venezuela has become a "criminal-terrorism hybrid" controlled by drug trafficking, terrorist organizations, and foreign advisors.

Deare proposed a series of military options, from intelligence reconnaissance, cyber warfare, special operations, to precise airstrikes against the Venezuelan military and leadership. "We don't need a full-scale invasion. The focus should be on targeting key individuals, blocking funds and oil tankers, making the regime unable to function."

He even suggested that the U.S. military could implement a maritime blockade in the Caribbean Sea, intercept or seize Venezuela's oil transport ships, cutting off the regime's economic lifeline. At the same time, guided bombs could be used to destroy the Russian-made air defense and missile systems held by the Venezuelan military.

"New Caribbean Front in the Trump Era"

These remarks come as the Trump administration announced the suspension of diplomatic contact with Venezuela, paving the way for further military action. Trump said in a speech at a naval base that the U.S. Navy had recently sunk several vessels suspected of drug trafficking — "we blew those drug dealers to ashes."

"They're not daring to smuggle anymore by sea, so we'll have to find them on land next."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later confirmed that the U.S. military has received "full authority" over the Caribbean region, aiming to destroy the drug smuggling network. The White House said this operation is not only to curb drugs entering the U.S., but also to "restore America's dominance in the Western Hemisphere."

However, scholars and Democratic lawmakers have expressed strong concerns. They questioned the legality of the "kill in international waters" practice and warned that Trump may be attempting a low-cost regime change through "limited strikes."

Christopher Sabatini, a senior researcher at the Chatham House think tank in the UK, pointed out:

"This looks more like a 'revenge fantasy,' an attempt to cover up Trump's diplomatic failures. They exaggerate the drug threat in Venezuela to mask the real purpose of their military actions — to overthrow the regime."

"Venezuela is not Panama, but doing nothing is more dangerous"

Deare admitted that the military action carries high risks, which could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, affect neighboring countries such as Colombia and Brazil, and trigger domestic political backlash in the U.S. But he emphasized, "Doing nothing is more dangerous than taking risks."

"Venezuela has become hollowed out and broken. It is a regional cancer, and if not contained, it will continue to export chaos."

He believes that the U.S. military action should focus on Maduro's inner circle and the military and political elite, rather than ordinary people: "The target should be the regime's elites and their assets, not bombing cities or infrastructure."

At the same time, he proposed that military actions must be incorporated into a long-term strategy, combining diplomacy, economics, and post-war reconstruction planning: "It's not just about bombing and leaving. A systematic plan is needed, including political transition and regional stability."

The ideal outcome, in his view, is to force Maduro and his allies to negotiate their resignation through military pressure, allowing the opposition to take power and avoid large-scale bloodshed. "That outcome won't just appear out of nowhere. Only real strength can force negotiations."

"For Washington, Venezuela is not just a war, but a declaration"

Deare bluntly stated that this is not only about Latin America, but also about the U.S. re-establishing its determination globally. "Demonstrating resolve in Venezuela will send a signal to China, Russia, and Iran: America is back."

Currently, the size of the U.S. fleet deployed in the Caribbean has reached the largest in nearly two decades, raising concerns that "limited strikes" might escalate into a U.S.-Venezuela conflict, or even a proxy war between the U.S. and Russia.

At the same time, the Maduro government is mobilizing its army, strengthening exercises, and receiving support from Moscow and Havana. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov recently expressed "full solidarity" with Caracas, while Maduro vowed on Telegram: "The Venezuelan people will never fear defending their freedom."

However, Deare's views still represent the consensus among the hawkish faction in Washington: "Change won't come by praying. Only showing strength can bring hope for peace."

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7558792998307119679/

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