• Trump signals potential discussions with Maduro amid increasing US military presence in the Caribbean.
• The US designates Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, blaming Maduro for its leadership.
• Since September, US military operations have resulted in over 80 deaths linked to drug trafficking.

U.S. President Donald Trump remarked on November 16 that there may be potential for talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, amidst ongoing military escalations in the Caribbean. "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out," Trump stated during a press conference in Florida. He acknowledged that "they would like to talk," suggesting an opening for dialogue despite the heightened tensions caused by U.S. military activities, according to Reuters and AA.

In conjunction with Trump's remarks, the U.S. State Department announced plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), which would further justify military operations aimed at combating drug trafficking connected to Maduro’s government. “Cartel de los Soles is responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated. This legal categorization allows the U.S. to target assets linked to the Venezuelan leadership, thereby intensifying the pressure on Maduro's administration, as detailed by Le Monde and AA.

Since initiating a military campaign in September, aimed at dismantling drug trafficking routes, U.S. forces have executed numerous strikes, resulting in significant casualties. At least 83 individuals have reportedly been killed under these operations, which the U.S. claims are justified measures to counter narcotics smuggling. However, critics isolate the operations as potential extrajudicial killings, highlighting concerns over due process, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

Additionally, the deployment of U.S. military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, is part of an extensive operation designed to disrupt drug trafficking networks originating from Venezuela. The campaign has escalated with the arrival of advanced naval vessels and an increased aerial presence, indicating a sustained commitment to counter drug-related threats, as noted by Le Monde and AA.