Donald Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of being a drug lord, a charge Caracas strongly denies. Footage released by the Pentagon shows US forces striking vessels it claims were smuggling drugs in international waters. Trump insists he is saving American lives, but his vow to 'kill people who bring drugs' has alarmed regional governments. Venezuela has launched coastal military drills in response, with Maduro warning of a revolutionary backlash if attacked. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has accused Washington of overreach and suggested that the real aim may be control over Venezuela’s oil. As US warships conduct exercises in the area, fears of renewed intervention and regional instability are mounting.