Political analyst Martynov explained the US intentions to strike at Venezuela

Under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking, the United States is trying to show Venezuela who is the boss in the house. Boris Martynov, Professor of the Department of International Relations and Foreign Policy at MGIMO, shared this opinion with Izvestia on November 1.

"The real motives [of the fight against drug trafficking] are the seizure of oil and an attempt to seize a larger share of the global oil market, given that Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves to date. And an attempt to show Latinos who is still the boss in the house. That Latin America is still the "backyard" of the United States," Martynov said.

He explained that in the event of a change in the political regime in Venezuela, the American oil industry would be the first to receive bonuses and privileges. At the same time, the professor urged not to discount Caracas and noted that the aggravation of the situation could threaten many difficulties for the States themselves.

Speaking about the fight against drug trafficking, Martynov noted that the United States is not making efforts to really combat the demand for illicit substances in the American market.

"The number of people who have died from drug overdoses in the United States is increasing every day. It's a hedonistic lifestyle. Libertarian ideology, which suggests to a person that you are the "master of your body", you have no responsibilities either to yourself or to society. You are a consumer, and you can and should consume everything, because it's money," the political scientist explained.

According to Martynov, significant drug flows to the American market go through the Pacific Coast, not the Caribbean, and the main suppliers are Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru. However, he stressed that there are several powerful groups operating in Latin America, whose influence extends to Europe.

"This is a disease that is transnational and convergent in nature. It is no longer possible to talk only about the fact that they are engaged in drugs. This is organized crime and corruption. The desire to create parallel authorities. <...> But, again, there is no fight against this," the professor concluded.

Resistance is everywhere: The US risks getting bogged down in Venezuela

Washington may not have enough forces for a full-scale invasion and blocking of all military bases, experts warn.

The day before, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the United States intends to strike targets in Venezuela, which, according to Washington, are used for drug trafficking. It was noted that the potential air operation would focus on facilities located "in the zone of influence of drug cartels" and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Later, on November 1, The Washington Post (WP) learned that the United States intends to strengthen the military group off the coast of Venezuela, which may number up to 16 thousand people. According to the newspaper, the American group includes eight warships, a nuclear submarine and a special purpose vessel. American air bases in the Caribbean also provide air cover, including B-52 strategic bombers and F-35 fighter jets.

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