He's a THUG and a KILLER: Gen. Keane

The U.S. is intensifying its efforts against narco-terrorists, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio designating two gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and warning drug cartels. This follows a U.S. operation that destroyed a suspected narco-trafficker boat in international waters off Venezuela, resulting in 11 deaths. General Jack Keane emphasizes that simply intercepting these vessels is insufficient; a more aggressive approach is needed.

Keane highlights that the drug problem stems from demand in the U.S. and supply from Latin America, with Venezuela under the Maduro regime being a significant source. Drugs are transported via land, air, and sea, and the current naval operation aims to disrupt seaborn trafficking. He stresses the importance of consistency and kinetic means, alongside efforts to reduce demand within the U.S. by educating the population about the dangers of drug use.

Maduro's claims of being targeted for regime change are addressed, with Keane acknowledging that while regime change may be a consequence, Maduro himself is a "thug and a killer" aligned with adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China. The $50 million bounty on Maduro's head is noted as a significant action by the U.S., aimed at isolating him and sending a decisive message.

• U.S. is waging a "war on killers" and "narco-terrorists."
• Two gangs designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
• A U.S. operation destroyed a suspected narco-trafficker boat, killing 11 people.
• General Jack Keane advocates for "kinetic means" to combat drug trafficking.
• A $50 million bounty has been placed on Nicolás Maduro.

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Narco-Terrorism Designation and Operations [0:10]

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio is designating two gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
• Drug cartels are being put on notice.
• A U.S. operation took out a suspected narco-trafficker boat in international waters off Venezuela, killing 11 people.
• General Jack Keane states that simply stopping boats is not enough; they must be "blown up."

This section highlights the U.S. government's assertive stance against drug trafficking organizations, classifying them as terrorists and employing direct action to disrupt their operations.

"Frankly, it's a war. It's a war on killers. It's a war on terrorists. These are not narco traffickers. These are narco terrorists who terrorize the countries they operate in."

Drug Trafficking Routes and Disruptions [01:19]

• The strategic issue involves demand in the U.S. and supply from Latin American countries.
• Venezuela, under the Maduro regime, is a significant source of narco-trafficking revenue.
• Drugs, including fentanyl, are moved in three ways: over land (trucks), by air, and by sea.
• The current naval operation is an attempt to shut down seaborn traffic.
• Past intercept efforts have had limited success, but this operation aims to send a strong message.

The speaker elaborates on the multifaceted nature of drug smuggling, emphasizing the importance of disrupting all routes, particularly sea traffic, and the need for a consistent, aggressive approach.

"And this is an attempt to stop that seaborn traffic and just completely shut it down."

Addressing Drug Demand and Consistency in Strategy [02:45]

• It is crucial to work on the U.S. population to address the demand for drugs.
• This is a responsibility of parents, coaches, teachers, and youngsters themselves.
• Young people are engaging in at-risk behavior by taking drugs they believe are safe, which can be lethal.
• Consistency in these efforts is essential; it should not be a one-off operation.
• Kinetic means should be used to interrupt traffickers, alongside other methods.

This part of the discussion shifts focus to the demand side of the drug problem, stressing the need for education and personal responsibility, while also reiterating the importance of sustained, aggressive action against traffickers.

"What we have to do is be consistent. This is not a one-off. We have to persist in interrupting them and using kinetic means to do this and continue to do the other means as well."

Maduro's Regime and Geopolitical Alignment [03:07]

• Venezuelan opposition leader states that Maduro has turned Venezuela into a threat to U.S. national security and regional stability.
• The opposition leader believes that with Maduro gone, Cuba and Nicaragua will also be freed from communism and dictatorship.
• General Keane acknowledges that Maduro is a "thug and a killer" who has conducted fraudulent elections.
• Maduro is aligned with communist states and other adversaries of the U.S. like Iran, Russia, and China.
• There is a $50 million bounty on Maduro's head.

This section directly addresses the political situation in Venezuela, linking Maduro's regime to broader geopolitical threats and highlighting the significant U.S. action taken against him.

"Mr. Madora is a thug and a killer and he's conducted one fraudulent election after another and he's aligned with those communist states that she she just mentioned and guess who else are other adversaries in the world? Iran, Russia, and China to name three."