Post by : Rameen Ariff

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is seriously exploring the possibility of military operations in Venezuela, as top officials engage in a series of strategic discussions at the White House this week, sources disclosed on Friday.

President Donald Trump has intensified the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, with the deployment of F-35 jets, naval vessels, and a nuclear submarine, as part of a calculated buildup following two months of aggressive strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the region.

Earlier this week, the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group entered the Latin American theater, bringing along over 75 military aircraft and more than 5,000 personnel, indicating a state of readiness for potential operations targeting Venezuela.

On Friday, Trump indicated that a decision regarding military action against Venezuela could be near. “I can’t disclose what it would be, but I have sort of made up my mind,” he stated to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Multiple U.S. officials and informed sources confirmed that meetings of the Homeland Security Council were convened this week to evaluate possible strategies. A smaller session took place on Wednesday, followed by a larger briefing on Thursday that included Vice President JD Vance, Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. President Trump participated in the Thursday meeting at the Situation Room, where several options were reviewed, though specifics were not made public.

While Trump has mentioned the potential for land operations within Venezuela, he has repeatedly asserted that regime change is not his primary aim. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, claims that Trump is attempting to overthrow him through force.

In August, the U.S. doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, citing alleged connections to drug trafficking and organized crime. Recent U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific have reportedly resulted in at least 80 fatalities across more than 20 operations targeting suspected drug vessels, facing critiques from some Democratic lawmakers, legal experts, and international allies concerned about legality.

Investigations are underway into the U.S. upgrading a Cold War-era naval base in the Caribbean, a move that hints at preparations for long-term military engagement that could extend into Venezuela. Additionally, Venezuelan forces are reportedly gearing up to resist through guerrilla tactics, utilizing aging Russian-made weaponry.

The possibility of military intervention appears to be unpopular among American voters. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Friday revealed that only 35% of respondents support military action in Venezuela without the Venezuelan government's consent, even to combat illegal drug trafficking.

Tensions are further inflamed with Colombia, as Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have exchanged sharp barbs. Trump has labeled Petro an “illegal drug leader” and enacted sanctions, while Petro accused the U.S. of murder through its military actions.

As the White House assesses potential actions, analysts caution that any military intervention in Venezuela could lead to considerable geopolitical and humanitarian fallout, potentially destabilizing the region and attracting international scrutiny.

Expect the upcoming days to shed more light on the Trump administration’s next moves, with both the U.S. and its neighbors on heightened alert.

#Global #World