Amidst swirling rumors, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly refuted allegations that he approved military strikes targeting Venezuela. The White House has dismissed these reports as ‘false and misleading,’ asserting that any decisions regarding military action would be officially communicated by the President. When asked directly about authorizing strikes in Venezuela, Trump responded with a clear ‘no.’ This statement comes after reports surfaced suggesting imminent strikes on Venezuelan military installations, a claim the White House deemed unsubstantiated.
The U.S. administration has been active in the region, reportedly carrying out over a dozen strikes on small vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, officially categorized as anti-narcotics operations. Adding to the military presence, guided missile destroyers and a naval strike group, including an aircraft carrier, have been deployed to Latin America. Officials maintain these actions are part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking, with allegations that the current Venezuelan government is complicit. President Trump himself had previously alluded to potential escalations, mentioning that ‘the land is going to be next’ after a series of maritime interdictions.
Within Venezuela, political tensions remain high. President Nicolas Maduro, facing charges he denies, has accused the U.S. of attempting regime change and has vowed resistance from his people and armed forces against any foreign interference.