With relations between Washington and Caracas at their most tense point in recent years, US President Donald Trump downplayed the possibility of war with Venezuela, while nonetheless making pointed remarks about impending political developments in the country.
In an interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes” that aired Sunday, Trump said he “doubts” the likelihood of military conflict, but added that President Nicolás Maduro’s days “are numbered.” “I doubt it, I don’t think so. But they’re treating us very badly,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of military engagement with Venezuela.
Read: Reuters: US upgrades “decommissioned” naval base in Caribbean – Washington’s gaze turns to Venezuela
Trump warning and escalation amid anti-drug trafficking operations
The US President’s statements came as the US intensifies operations in the Caribbean, with the Pentagon announcing 16 strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, which have already caused at least 65 deaths.
This campaign has sparked reactions across Latin America, with Venezuela accusing Washington of using a “pretext for intervention” and Colombian President Gustavo Petro arguing that the attacks aim to expand American influence in the region.
Trump: “I won’t say what I’ll do with Venezuela”
Although Trump dismissed scenarios of an imminent invasion, he didn’t rule out any options. “I wouldn’t say I would do that… I won’t tell you what I’ll do with Venezuela – whether I was going to do it or not,” he said characteristically.
The US President accused Maduro of collaborating with criminal networks, referring to “gangs” and specifically naming the Tren de Aragua organization as “the most barbaric in the world.”
