Trump Hints at Key Decision on Venezuela Amid Increased U.S. Military Presence

In light of growing U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, President Donald Trump indicated he has made a decision regarding Venezuela during remarks made while traveling to his Florida resort on Friday evening.

Trump told reporters, "I have made my decision in some way. I can't tell you what it is, but we have made great progress with Venezuela regarding stopping the flow of drugs."

His comments came just hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the launch of a new military operation in Latin America, dubbed "Southern Lance," aimed at targeting drug traffickers, although he did not provide further details.

Sources have revealed that several senior officials from the U.S. administration held three separate meetings at the White House last week to discuss potential military operations in Venezuela.

These developments underscore the U.S. campaign against drug trafficking, which has included strikes in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Recently, the U.S. has deployed significant air and naval military capabilities in the region, including the aircraft carrier "Gerald Ford."

According to U.S. data, strikes conducted 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. administration has not provided public evidence that these vessels were indeed involved in drug trafficking.

These actions have drawn international criticism and raised concerns that the hidden agenda of Washington may be to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. CBS News reported that military officials presented Trump with additional options, including potential airstrikes within Venezuelan territory.

In response to the escalating U.S. presence, Venezuela announced last Tuesday the mass deployment of its military across the country to counter what it described as American "imperialism," indicating a "massive deployment of ground, air, maritime, riverine, missile, weapon systems, military units, and bolivarian militias," which include both civilians and retired military personnel to bolster regular forces.