By Paula Andrea Villa
In the middle of the COVID-19 crisis in the United States, President Donald Trump sent maritime troops close to the Venezuelan coasts to fight illegal drugs.
The move follows U.S. charges that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other officials in Venezuela with narco-terrorism, as widely reported.
The individuals are accused of drug trafficking cocaine and other drugs in the United States.
There is a $15 million reward offered for information leading to Maduro's arrest.
At the White House Trump said, "Today, the United States is launching enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere to protect the American people from the deadly scourge of illegal narcotics."
This military deployment comes after the announcement by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in which he presented a proposal to create a transitional government in Venezuela. According to Pompeo, it is proposed that Venezuela hold elections where representatives of the opposition and Chavista representatives have equal conditions, according to news reports. The proposal also indicates that said elections be held within a maximum period of 12 months, said reports.
An MSN report says Nicolas Maduro accused the President of trying to "divert attention ... by creating an escalation of statements and an escalation with Venezuela." Maduro also reportedly said that at the moment Venezuela is going to worry only about controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Tweet on the official U.S. Army Twitter page said the army is ready for what would be the largest anti-drug operation in the West. “We’re deploying additional Navy destroyers, combat ships, aircraft and helicopters, Coast Guard Cutters... doubling our capabilities in the region," said the post.