Key Takeaways

•  A retired general warns that talk of a Venezuela invasion raised his “scar tissue” from Iraq.
•  He feared U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela and the security risks that would follow.
•  Venezuela has 30 million people and 300,000 military and police, making any invasion complex.
• The general doubts Venezuelans would welcome foreign forces or oil companies.

Why the Venezuela Invasion Plan Frightens Military Experts

Former U.S. Army leader Mark Hertling spoke out this weekend about talk of a U.S. campaign to seize control of Venezuela. He said that when he heard the phrase “boots on the ground” applied to Venezuela, the hairs on his neck stood up. His reaction shows why a Venezuela invasion is far more dangerous than some think.

Background: Trump’s Bold Venezuela Invasion Talk

Last week, the president said he plans to capture Venezuela’s leader and take control of the country rather than wait for its constitution to work. He added that U.S. boots on the ground are not off the table. This was new news to many listeners. They assumed the U.S. would rely on political pressure or sanctions. Instead, they heard talk of military force in a nation of 30 million people with a strong security apparatus.

General Hertling’s Warning from Iraq

Mark Hertling served two tours in Iraq. He led units near key oil refineries and fields. There, he saw firsthand how tough security made even rebuilding oil plants dangerous. He called that memory his “scar tissue.” When the president mentioned boots on the ground in Venezuela, Hertling felt that old fear return. He knows that any U.S. force would face threats from guerrillas, militias, criminal groups, and regular troops.

Why a Venezuela Invasion Would Be Dangerous

Venezuela covers almost 350,000 square miles. It has rugged mountains, dense jungles and long coastlines. In addition, its security force of roughly 300,000 troops, police and intelligence officers knows the terrain well. Therefore, a U.S. military operation would face:

• Harsh geography that slows advances
• Urban centers with large populations ready to resist
• Well-trained security forces on home turf
• Potential involvement by foreign backers

Moreover, Venezuela’s people have long endured hardship. A foreign invasion could unite citizens behind their government. This would increase attacks on U.S. soldiers.

Logistical Nightmares and Oil Company Challenges

In Iraq, Hertling tried to bring in companies to help repair oil refineries. He saw how security threats forced delays and violence. A similar problem would arise in Venezuela. The country holds one of the world’s largest oil reserves. Yet its plants have suffered neglect. Congress and the president might aim to send oil experts in to restart production. However, without strong security, these teams would be at great risk.

Furthermore, moving equipment and men across Venezuela’s roads, mountains and rivers would tax any supply line. Fuel, food and medical supplies all need protection. In addition, local hostility could target supply convoys. Already stretched U.S. forces would face constant ambushes and sabotage.

International Law, Politics and the Venezuela Invasion Debate

Under international law, invading a sovereign nation without UN approval is illegal. Some argue the U.S. could invoke a self-defense or humanitarian rationale. However, this remains highly controversial. Allies would be unlikely to back a full-scale military assault. They might fear setting a precedent for foreign intervention elsewhere.

Politically, a Venezuela invasion would divide Congress. Some lawmakers favor regime change. Others warn of repeating Iraq’s mistakes. Therefore, any move toward invasion would spark fierce debate. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s neighbors would worry about a flood of refugees and regional instability.

Could Venezuelans Actually Welcome U.S. Troops?

General Hertling doubted they would. He noted that after years of hardship, Venezuelans might view foreign forces as another occupier. Further, many citizens blame external pressures for their crisis. So, welcoming U.S. troops could feel like betrayal to their national pride.

In short, expecting local cooperation in a Venezuela invasion is unrealistic. Hostile crowds, lone attackers and sabotage attempts would likely greet any invading force.

What Happens Next?

Currently, the U.S. relies on sanctions, aid to Venezuelan opposition groups and diplomatic pressure. However, talk of boots on the ground signals a shift. So far, no formal plan for invasion exists. Yet, the president’s words worry military experts like Hertling. They warn that once the conversation moves to boots on the ground, the risk of conflict rises.

Therefore, Congress and the public must weigh the real dangers of a Venezuela invasion. The general’s scars from Iraq remind us that war often brings unexpected costs.

FAQs

What did the general mean by his “scar tissue”?

He referred to the lasting memories of danger and loss from his time in Iraq. Hearing talk of a Venezuela invasion reopened those fears.

What does “boots on the ground” mean?

It means sending soldiers inside a country to carry out military operations.

Could Venezuela’s people welcome U.S. forces?

Unlikely. After years of hardship and strong national pride, many Venezuelans would see foreign troops as occupiers.

Why is a Venezuela invasion so risky?

Venezuela’s large population, rugged terrain and 300,000 security forces make any military action complex. Logistical challenges, local resistance and legal issues add more hurdles.