US Attack on Venezuela Risks “Vietnam-style” Regional War, Warns Adviser to Brazil’s President

A senior foreign-policy adviser to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has cautioned that any military action by the United States against Venezuela could spark a protracted, “Vietnam-style” conflict that destabilises not only Venezuela but the broader Latin American region.

The adviser, a veteran diplomat, described recent U.S. escalations, including the closure of Venezuelan airspace, U.S. naval deployments in the Caribbean, and repeated airstrikes on vessels tied to alleged narcotics trafficking as provocative and dangerously provocative steps.

According to him, a full-scale invasion or major attack would likely trigger widespread resistance inside Venezuela. He warned that even some opponents of the Venezuelan government might join in opposing foreign intervention, leading to a drawn-out guerrilla war reminiscent of Cold War–era conflicts.

Citing history and regional sentiment, the adviser argued that foreign-imposed regime change is unacceptable and warned that a U.S. strike could reignite deep-seated anti-American sentiment across Latin America.

He proposed that the crisis should instead be addressed through dialogue, possibly including a negotiated settlement or a recall referendum, a path he described as more legitimate and less destructive than military action.

Meanwhile, recent developments have escalated tensions: since early September 2025, U.S. naval and air assets have been increasingly deployed in the Caribbean Sea under an operation targeting narcotics trafficking and “narco-terrorist” organisations. At least 22 strikes on vessels suspected of drug-running have been reported, causing significant casualties.

Venezuela’s armed forces have reportedly adopted a strategy of “prolonged resistance,” including plans for guerrilla warfare and sabotage, and have warned that any foreign attack would be met with widespread national resistance.

Given these developments, analysts fear that military escalation could plunge South America into a broader conflict, destabilise regional geopolitics, trigger mass displacement, and further polarise international relations.

Source: The Guardian