Understanding the reasons for the tensions between the US and Venezuela and Trump's warning of potential military action

Concerns over potential U.S. military action in Venezuela have intensified after President Donald Trump warned pilots to avoid Venezuelan airspace. Trump has previously suggested that future operations could include ground strikes in the South American nation, which lies along the continent's northern coast. However, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, November 30, he cautioned the media not to overinterpret the airspace advisory.

This advisory followed Trumps comments to U.S. troops on Thanksgiving, indicating that military action could soon extend to land-based operations. Venezuela condemned the remarks, labeling them a "colonialist threat" that violates international law.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has launched an investigation into alleged kill orders by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a strike on a Venezuelan vessel near Trinidad. The administration claims the vessel was involved in illegal drug trafficking. Hegseth dismissed the report as fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.

Operation Southern Spear

U.S. military activity under Operation Southern Spear includes eight F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadrons 31, 37, 87, and 213 aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), alongside a B-52 Stratofortress, operating jointly as of November 13, 2025. Trump has defended Hegseth against allegations that he ordered a kill them all strike and is reviewing whether a second operation against a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean occurred.

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) announced on November 30 that the Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a public hearing on potentially illegal military orders issued by Hegseth.

Reasons Behind the Threats

Trump has stated that his actions aim to disrupt Venezuela's illegal drug trade, which he claims has harmed Americans. His administration also targets human traffickers operating in the region. Since September, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out nearly two dozen strikes on vessels in international waters, including the Caribbean, resulting in 83 fatalities. A second strike on a suspected drug vessel reportedly occurred on September 2.

The administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of supplying illegal drugs to the U.S. and designated him the head of the Cartel de los Soles, which the State Department classifies as a foreign terrorist organization. Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking.

Trump has warned of potential escalation to ground operations and reinforced the closure of airspace for airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers. He mentioned speaking with Maduro but did not provide details about the conversation.

Sources: Reuters, Phillip M. Bailey, Eduardo Cuevas, James Powel, USA TODAY. Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, senior reporter at USA TODAY.

Author: Sophia Brooks