The Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG are the primary Mexican groups operating around Venezuela and the Caribbean. They forge alliances with local officials and guerrilla groups to use the region as a strategic launchpad for global cocaine shipments, rather than holding territory directly.

Which Mexican cartels operate near Venezuela and the Caribbean

Crime and politics intersect across Venezuela, Cuba and Mexican cartels, where state actors, intelligence networks and guerrilla groups enable cocaine trafficking, gold laundering and safe havens, pushing the US to label Venezuela’s Cartel of the Suns a terrorist threat.

Venezuela, Cuba, and Mexican cartels: How crime and politics quietly intersect

To fix the illegality, the US is moving to install a Transitional Government immediately. If this new government retroactively "consents" to the US operation (just as Panama did in 1990), the "kidnapping" legally transforms into a "cooperative extradition."

'Capture of Nicholas Maduro': Is it legal to kidnap a 'President' of another country like Venezuela?

Venezuela has evolved into a global cocaine launchpad due to its shared border with Colombia and alleged state complicity. High-ranking officials, known as the 'Cartel of the Suns', reportedly facilitate shipments through maritime routes to the Caribbean and to Central America. 

Haven for drug traffickers: Why Venezuela is considered a major launchpad for global cocaine shipments

Operating under the US Army Special Operations Command, Delta Force executes missions approved at the highest levels, with operational details often remaining classified for years.

Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president

By taking out the communication hubs in Caracas, Miranda, and La Guaira, the US severed the head of the snake (Maduro) from the body (the military), leaving the army confused and leaderless in the dark.

'President CAPTURED': Trump starts and ends Venezuela war in 30 mins as he confirms capture of Nicolás Maduro

Donald Trump has casually confirmed the first US land strike on Venezuela, claiming a drug-linked dock was hit in a “major explosion”. He refused to say who carried it out or where it happened. However, as of now, there are no images, no details, and no response from Caracas.

'I don't want to say': Trump confirms first US land strike on Venezuela, acts secretive about exact details