Full Story 'This is war': is Trump about to invade Venezuela?
Dec 6, 2025
Tom Phillips, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, delves into the complex issues surrounding U.S. actions in Venezuela. He discusses Trump's motivations for targeting Maduro, from personal to geopolitical factors. Phillips highlights the disastrous migration crisis and the truth behind U.S. drug claims, questioning military strikes on Venezuelan vessels. He raises concerns about potential war crimes, critiques the inexperienced leadership of Pete Hegseth, and reflects on the regional impact of Trump's rhetoric on authoritarianism and xenophobia.
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Drugs Claim Lacks Fentanyl Link
- Fentanyl does not come from Venezuela; it flows from precursor chemicals via Mexico from Asia.
- Venezuela plays a limited role in cocaine flows and mainly routes some shipments toward Europe, not the US.
Controversial 'Double Tap' Boat Strikes
- Alleged US double-tap strikes targeted survivors on suspected narco boats, provoking widespread outrage.
- Questions persist about whether victims were low-level crew or migrants rather than major traffickers.
Legal And Moral Red Flags At Sea
- Maritime law and longstanding rules obligate rescuing survivors, making alleged orders to kill them especially alarming.
- The strikes appeared to target small crews, not typical large drug trafficking teams, raising legal concerns.