Is Trump preparing to strike Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro? Here's what we know so far

Venezuela: While multiple reports suggest that the Trump Administration is preparing for possible military strikes against Venezuela as part of its campaign against the Soles drug cartel, but US president Donald Trump has denied that he was considering strikes inside Venezuela on Friday.

Trump Rejects Claims of Military Strike Plans on Venezuela

The speculations of Trump planning attacks on the drug-trafficking organization said to be run by Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and top regime officials, comes as the US has built up a large military presence in the Caribbean, with fighter jets, warships and thousands of troops, as per a report.

Reports Link Possible US Action to Venezuela’s Soles Drug Cartel

Sources told the Miami Herald that the US will aim to destroy military installations used by the drug-trafficking organization attacks, which reportedly could happen at any moment.


The US reportedly believes that the cartel exports around 500 tons of cocaine annually to both Europe and the United States, reported Miami Herald. While it remains unclear if Maduro himself would be a direct target, sources have told Miami Herald that his options for escape are shrinking, with some Venezuelan generals reportedly willing to capture him if the opportunity arises, as per the report.

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Nicolás Maduro’s Escape Options Shrinking Amid Internal Tensions

Meanwhile, the US has significantly increased its efforts to pressure Maduro. The reward for information leading to his arrest was doubled to $50 million, the largest bounty ever offered by the US government, as per the Miami Herald report. Additional rewards of $25 million remain available for top lieutenants, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, as per the report.

White House Denies Imminent Strike Reports

Despite reports of imminent strikes, the White House has responded to downplay expectations, as Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said that, “Unnamed sources don’t know what they’re talking about. Any announcements regarding Venezuela policy would come directly from the President,” as quoted by Miami Herald.

Even when Trump was asked by reporters on Air Force One if media reports that he was considering strikes within Venezuela were true on Friday, the US president replied saying, "No," as quoted by Reuters.

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FAQs

What did Trump say about possible US strikes in Venezuela?

He denied that he was considering any military action inside Venezuela.

What is the Soles drug cartel?

It’s a drug-trafficking organization that US officials say is led by Maduro and his top military officials.