Why the US is trying to tie the drug trade to terrorism
BBC••nation
Key Points:
- The US is conducting its largest military build-up in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama, driven by escalating tensions with Venezuela and allegations of drug trafficking by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
- While both the Panama and Venezuela cases involve US accusations of drug-related corruption against regional leaders and strategic interests, the contexts differ significantly, including the nature of evidence and the political eras.
- The Trump administration labels Maduro's regime as involved in "narco-terrorism," targeting alleged drug trafficking operations like the "Cartel of the Suns," though the existence of this cartel is disputed by analysts and Venezuelan officials.
- Recent US military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean have raised legal and ethical questions, especially regarding a controversial second
