Trump suggests Maduro’s days as president are numbered
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump hinted that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s tenure could be drawing to a close amid heightened US military activity in the Caribbean, as reports suggest Washington is preparing for potential operations in Venezuela.
The US has accused Maduro of running “narcoterrorist” networks trafficking drugs into America and has offered a reward for his capture. Earlier this year, Trump deployed significant naval forces to the western Caribbean and targeted vessels in international waters accused of drug smuggling. Maduro dismissed the claims, accusing the US president of “fabricating a new war.”
In an interview aired Sunday, Trump was asked if the Caribbean buildup – described by the network as “using a blowtorch to cook an egg” – was aimed at countering narcotics or “getting rid of President Maduro.”
“No, this is about many things. This is a country that allowed their prisons to be emptied into our country,” Trump said.
When pressed on whether “Maduro’s days as president are numbered,” he responded: “I would say yeah. I think so, yeah.”
Trump neither confirmed nor denied reports of a potential land strike, telling the host: “I’m not saying it’s true or untrue. I don’t talk to a reporter about whether or not I’m gonna strike… I’m not gonna tell you what I’m gonna do with Venezuela.”
According to reports, the White House is considering operations inside Venezuela and has identified potential targets, including drug-smuggling sites. Around 10,000 US troops, 6,000 sailors, and eight Navy warships are reportedly in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group expected soon, and F-35 jets stationed in Puerto Rico.
Caracas condemned the buildup as a breach of sovereignty and an attempted coup while seeking support from Russia, China, and Iran. Russia, which recently ratified a new partnership with Venezuela, voiced “strong support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending national sovereignty.”
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