U. S. Troops in Venezuela: A Risky Move?

U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of sending American soldiers to Venezuela following a successful operation to remove the country's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, without any American casualties. However, maintaining peace and order in Venezuela might not be as straightforward.

Trump's Stance on U.S. Involvement

Trump has not ruled out the idea of having U.S. soldiers on the ground. He stated that the U.S. is not afraid of this and is committed to ensuring Venezuela is governed properly. Yet, the situation is complex. Key figures in Maduro's government are still in power, and it's unclear if the U.S. aims for a complete regime change.

Expert Concerns and Historical Context

A retired Air Force Colonel, Cedric Leighton, has raised concerns about the potential dangers. He pointed out that the U.S. has had mixed success in stabilizing countries after toppling oppressive leaders. While post-World War II Germany and Japan were successes, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan dragged on for years.

Leighton warned that Venezuela could become a hostile environment for U.S. troops. The Venezuelan military has plans for guerrilla warfare, which could involve hiding in hills or city slums and attacking U.S. forces. This could turn into a "force protection nightmare" if not handled carefully.

Defiant Remaining Leaders

The remaining leaders of Maduro's regime are defiant. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez called the U.S. raid an "atrocity" and demanded Maduro's return. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged Venezuelans to trust their political and military leaders and take to the streets to defend the country. Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López vowed to resist the presence of foreign troops.

U.S. Oil Companies and Military Presence

Trump has stated that U.S. oil companies will rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure, investing billions of dollars. If an insurgency occurs, U.S. troops or security contractors might be needed to protect these companies and their assets. This could require a much larger military presence than currently in the region.

Current U.S. Military Posture

For now, U.S. forces remain in the region, ready to act. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine assured that the American armada is poised and all military options are on the table. Trump warned that what happened to Maduro could happen to other political and military figures in Venezuela.