- Trump suggested possible strikes inside Venezuela but denies his aim of regime change, as Maduro rejects US claims and Venezuela braces for possible military action.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico, (venezuelanalysis.com) – US president Donald Trump signalled he is considering military strikes inside Venezuela, while also rejecting the notion that his government’s recent military actions in the region are aimed at regime change.
Asked by a reporter if he was considering attacking “cartels” inside Venezuela, Trump responded ambiguously, saying only, “Well, you’re going to find out.”
Trump’s comments follow a recent US military strike in the Caribbean, near Venezuelan waters, that resulted in the death of eleven individuals that the US claimed were linked to the Tren de Aragua. Washington has not provided any evidence of its claims.
Given the magnitude and sophistication of the US military deployment in the Caribbean, which includes a recent shipment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, analysts have suggested that Washington’s true aim is to oust the Nicolás Maduro government.
When questioned about the possibility of regime change in Venezuela, Trump responded, “We’re not talking about that.”
Maduro, for his part, has highlighted Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking interdiction, emphasizing the comparatively small amount of narcotics that transit through his country.
“I tell president Donald Trump once again that the attempt to create a false case regarding drug trafficking is a mistake,” said Maduro on Friday.
The Venezuelan leader called on Trump to step back from entertaining US military action against Venezuela.
“It was not true that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; it is not true what they are saying about Venezuela,” said Maduro. “They are walking into a dead end.”
Venezuela remains on high alert amid intensifying US military threats, mobilizing its armed forces as well as calling for the general public to join the Bolivarian Militia.
In early August, Washington offered a US $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of president Nicolás Maduro, accusing Venezuela of being a “narco state.” US officials allege Maduro is linked to the so-called “Cartel de los Soles” and other drug cartels with the alleged aim of “flooding” the United States with narcotics. The US has not presented any court-tested evidence of the existence of the cartel.
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