Trump Hints at Key Decision on Venezuela Amid Increased U.S. Military Presence
President Donald Trump indicated he has made a decision regarding Venezuela during remarks to reporters on Friday evening while traveling to his resort in Florida, amid a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.
Trump stated, "I have somewhat made my decision. I can't tell you what it is, but we have made great strides with Venezuela regarding combating drug trafficking."
His comments came shortly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new military operation in Latin America named "Southern Spike," aimed at targeting drug traffickers, although further details were not disclosed.
Sources have reported that several senior U.S. officials held three separate meetings at the White House last week to discuss potential military operations in Venezuela.
These developments reinforce the U.S. campaign against drug trafficking, which began weeks ago with airstrikes in the Caribbean and Pacific targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The U.S. has recently deployed significant air and naval assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier "Gerald Ford."
According to U.S. data, attacks carried out by Washington in international waters over the past weeks have resulted in the destruction of approximately 20 vessels and the deaths of at least 76 individuals. However, the U.S. government has not provided public evidence confirming that these vessels were indeed used for drug trafficking.
These actions have sparked international criticism and raised concerns that Washington's hidden agenda may be the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. CBS News reported, citing sources, that military officials have presented Trump with additional options, including potential airstrikes on Venezuelan territory.
In response to the U.S. escalation, Venezuela announced on Tuesday that it would intensify the deployment of its military across the country to counter what it describes as "American imperialism," referencing the "intensive deployment of land, air, naval, and river resources, missiles, weapon systems, military units, and bolivarian militias," which include civilians and former military personnel to bolster regular forces.
