United States President Donald Trump has announced his intention to engage in discussions with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro while simultaneously expressing openness to conducting American anti-drug operations within Mexican territory.
Military Buildup and Venezuela Tensions
During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Monday, President Trump confirmed he would eventually speak with the Venezuelan president, though he emphasized that Maduro has not been good to the United States. When questioned about potentially deploying US ground troops in Venezuela, the American leader explicitly stated he would not rule out such military action.
We just have to take care of Venezuela, Trump asserted, claiming the South American nation had released hundreds of thousands of prisoners who subsequently entered the United States.
Hours following Trump's comments, Maduro responded during his weekly television program, expressing willingness to engage in face-to-face discussions with any United States representative interested in dialogue with Venezuela.
Regional Military Presence and Diplomatic Reactions
The escalating tensions occur alongside significant US military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the second such deployment near Venezuelan waters in less than a month. The small English-speaking archipelago lies approximately 10 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast.
However, Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, despite being a Trump ally, clarified that her nation would not permit its territory to be used for attacks against Venezuela. The US has NEVER requested use of our territory to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela, she stated via WhatsApp message to AFP.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago would not participate in actions harming Venezuelan citizens and urged Washington and Caracas to resolve differences through diplomatic channels.
Expanding Anti-Drug Campaign to Mexico
President Trump also intensified his rhetoric toward Mexico, indicating he would approve American counter-narcotics strikes within Mexican borders. Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It's OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs, Trump declared when questioned at the White House.
While clarifying he hadn't ordered such operations yet, Trump expressed pride in potentially authorizing them, claiming such actions could save millions of lives by combating drug trafficking.
The United States has maintained substantial naval presence in the Caribbean since August, including half a dozen warships officially deployed to intercept drug shipments destined for American territory.
According to AFP calculations based on publicly released information, US forces have killed at least 83 people through air strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in international waters since September. Washington has provided limited evidence confirming those targeted were actually drug traffickers.
Venezuela accuses the United States of pursuing regime change through military intimidation, while Washington labels Maduro's administration a terrorist drug cartel—allegations the Venezuelan leader consistently denies.
