Venezuela claims US 'illegally' seized tuna boat in the Caribbean

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00:00For more analysis, France 24's international affairs editor Shirley Sitbon joins me now on set.

00:05Hi, Shirley.

00:06Hello.

00:06So this is the second time that we're asking in recent days if Washington's actions towards Venezuela are legal.

00:12Caracas says that it's clearly not.

00:15What does the U.S. say?

00:16Caracas is probably not alone, but the U.S. this time is not as vocal about its alleged actions.

00:23Hasn't really reacted openly, not defended these actions.

00:26We're still waiting for all the details.

00:28The first time, yes, the U.S., the White House, said that they attacked.

00:34They really said that these people on board were drug traffickers, part of Trend Aragua,

00:41these people, the group that they've declared a terrorist organization.

00:46So they're stopping at nothing and believe that their actions are legitimate

00:52because they're saying that these people have been bringing illegal drugs and are killing Americans,

00:57so nothing will stop the administration from stopping them from stopping the arrival of drugs

01:03and thousands and tens of thousands of people from dying from drugs.

01:07So they're clearly defending their position.

01:11Like, when you're looking at international reactions, though, not that many.

01:15About three weeks ago, China, though, and several countries in South America, Latin America,

01:21have said a voiced concern about the military buildup from the United States in the area.

01:26But they're not very vocal today, probably maybe trying to get more information,

01:31and reactions will probably arrive soon.

01:33So, Shirley, how likely then, in the meantime, for more discussions and information on its legality,

01:39how likely do you think this strategy is to work with respect to the administration's objectives?

01:44Well, that's a debate.

01:47Clearly, the U.S. administration believes that it wants to show it's not just talking about waging a war on drugs.

01:55It's dead serious. It's acting. It wants to scare the cartels to at least show that it's doing something.

02:02But, as you said, will it be effective?

02:04Many people say that it won't, because fighting effectively drugs is a group effort.

02:10Other countries have to be part of that effort, not just the U.S. military,

02:14that this type of action hasn't worked before.

02:18And also the fact that just reducing the amounts of drugs that arrive is not enough.

02:24That's only part of the problem.

02:26And the administration needs to tackle this in a whole different way,

02:29that this is definitely not the way to go.

02:31And it's extremely concerning for people, other countries in the area, this military buildup.

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