Trump’s Military Moves on Maduro: Echoes of Latin America’s Tumultuous History | PRIMENEWSNOW

Echoes of Past Coups in Latin America

The specter of historical coups in Latin America looms large as Donald Trump intensifies military actions against Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, labeled by Washington as a narco-terrorist.

Historical Precedents and Warnings

Figures like Salvador Allende, Chile’s Marxist president ousted in a 1973 coup, and Rafael Trujillo, the Dominican dictator assassinated in 1961, serve as cautionary tales for Maduro. Allende’s death, officially a suicide during a coup backed by Nixon’s administration, led to Gen Augusto Pinochet’s oppressive regime. Meanwhile, the CIA allegedly provided the weapons for Trujillo’s assassination.

Guatemala and Cuba: Lessons from the Past

In 1954, Guatemala’s president Jacobo Arbenz was exiled following a CIA-instigated coup, sparking a 30-year civil war with massive casualties. Similarly, the CIA’s failed attempts to eliminate Fidel Castro, including the Bay of Pigs invasion, highlight the complexities of regime change. These events resonate as the US now stages its largest naval presence near Venezuela since the Cuban missile crisis.

Current Tensions and Military Strategies

Reports suggest imminent US military strikes on Venezuelan targets linked to drug trafficking. A source quoted by the Miami Herald indicates that Maduro may soon find himself unable to escape, with generals ready to capture him. The Trump administration has doubled the bounty on Maduro to $50 million, intensifying the pressure.

Covert Operations and Potential Outcomes

Trump’s authorization of covert CIA actions against Venezuela raises questions about the potential for lethal force. Former CIA analyst Fulton Armstrong suggests that any attempt to capture Maduro could lead to violence, given the high stakes and armed resistance expected.

Failed Assassination Attempts and Ongoing Threats

Maduro has survived previous assassination attempts, including a 2018 drone attack during a military parade. In 2020, a plot involving dissidents and former US Green Berets to capture him was thwarted, earning the nickname “Bay of Piglets.”

Military Build-Up and International Implications

The US has deployed significant military assets, including the USS Gerald Ford, near Venezuela. This show of force aims to pressure Maduro’s regime, accused of leading a drug cartel. However, experts debate Venezuela’s actual role in drug trafficking.

Debate Over Assassination and Regime Change

While Trump has not explicitly authorized Maduro’s assassination, discussions around such actions reflect broader debates on US foreign policy. High-profile assassinations, like those of Osama bin Laden and Qassem Suleimani, illustrate the complexities of targeting state leaders.

Future Prospects and Political Dynamics

Analysts suggest that a coup might not lead to immediate democratic change in Venezuela. Angelo Rivero Santos, a former diplomat, notes that internal dynamics and national unity against US pressure complicate the situation. The year 2025 presents a different landscape compared to past coups.