President Donald Trump has unequivocally denied reports suggesting the United States is planning or has authorized military strikes against Venezuela. The White House has labeled such claims as baseless and emphasized that any official military actions would be directly announced by the President himself. Trump, speaking to reporters, stated ‘no’ when questioned about authorizing strikes in Venezuela. These denials come amidst reports of the Trump administration conducting at least 14 strikes on small boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September, actions described as anti-drug operations. A separate report indicated Washington was preparing to target Venezuelan military sites, with strikes believed to be imminent.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly refuted the rumors, stating that ‘unnamed sources don’t know what they are talking about.’ She reiterated that President Trump is the sole source for any official announcements regarding military operations. Previously, Trump had hinted at further actions, suggesting ‘the land is going to be next’ following maritime operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels. The U.S. has also deployed guided missile destroyers and a naval strike group, including an aircraft carrier, to Latin America as part of its counter-drug efforts, which officials allege involve the Maduro regime in international narcotics trafficking.
Meanwhile, political divisions persist within Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro, who denies U.S. indictments for drug trafficking and corruption, accused Trump of attempting to overthrow his government. Maduro vowed that Venezuela’s populace and military would resist any foreign intervention aimed at removing him from power.
