President Donald Trump has denied reports that the United States is preparing military strikes against Venezuela, even as U.S. naval and air forces continue to expand their presence in the Caribbean region.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump firmly dismissed speculation that Washington is considering military action against Caracas. “No,” he said when asked about the rumors, putting an end to growing concerns about a possible conflict.
U.S. Military Buildup in the Caribbean
Over the past several weeks, the United States has deployed eight Navy ships to the Caribbean, dispatched F-35 stealth jets to Puerto Rico, and sent an aircraft carrier strike group toward the region. According to Washington, the operation is part of a larger effort to combat international drug trafficking, not an attempt to trigger regime change in Venezuela.
Since early September, the U.S. military has carried out a series of targeted strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in both the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. American officials claim the campaign has destroyed 14 boats and one semi-submersible craft, resulting in at least 62 deaths.
Critics Question U.S. Strategy
While U.S. authorities defend the strikes as a measure to protect national security, critics argue they may constitute extrajudicial killings, even when targeting known traffickers. Human rights advocates insist that every individual deserves due process, regardless of alleged criminal activity.
Rising Regional Tensions
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have continued to escalate. The United States has conducted several bomber flyovers near Venezuela’s coastline, including B-52 and B-1B aircraft, in what officials describe as deterrence missions.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a plan to overthrow his government and “fabricating a war” to justify intervention. In response to the growing military presence, Maduro has requested immediate military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran to strengthen Venezuela’s defenses and counter what he calls “foreign aggression.”
The Global Response
The international community has expressed concern over the mounting tension between the two nations. Analysts warn that any misstep could ignite a wider regional crisis, potentially involving several global powers.
For now, President Trump maintains that the U.S. military buildup is solely focused on stopping narcotics trafficking, not on initiating conflict. However, with Caracas seeking backing from its global allies, the situation in the Caribbean remains highly volatile.
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