Trump Doubts US Will Go to War with Venezuela, But Maduro's Days are Numbered
US President Donald Trump has expressed doubts over the prospect of a war with Venezuela, despite recent military escalations in the Caribbean region. In a recent interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes,
Trump suggested that the days of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela's president are numbered, yet downplayed fears of an imminent war against the country.
Background and Context
Maduro, who faces indictment on drug charges in the United States, has accused Washington of using drug trafficking as a pretext for imposing regime change
in Caracas to seize Venezuelan oil. The US military has carried out more than a dozen strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs in international waters near Venezuela, killing dozens of suspected narco-terrorists, while the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group have been deployed to the U.S. Southern Command region.
The recent military buildup and strikes have raised questions about whether the U.S. may be lining up to topple the Venezuelan president. However, Trump refused to confirm or deny plans of strikes against Venezuela, instead hinting that Maduro's days as president could be numbered.
Key Developments
Reports suggest that the US is preparing for a land strike in Venezuela, targeting military facilities allegedly used by the Cartel de los Soles, reportedly headed by Maduro. This comes amid accusations from Washington that Maduro is running narcoterrorist
cartels that smuggle drugs into the US, with a bounty offered for his arrest.
Trump, in the 60 Minutes
interview, pointed out the treatment by Venezuela, stating, They've been treating us very badly, not only on drugs. They've dumped hundreds of thousands...
.
Implications and Reactions
Maduro has rejected these accusations, claiming the US president is fabricating a new war
. He has built a system in which the only people who can tear down the dictatorship are the ones with the most to lose from its demise.
This view was echoed by Senator Rick Scott, who serves on the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, suggesting that Maduro’s rule is nearing its end. Scott said, “His days are numbered,and recommended that the Venezuelan leader should
head to Russia or China."
Conclusion
As things stand, while the US President has not ruled out land strikes against Venezuela, he has expressed doubts over an outright war. However, the consensus seems to be that Maduro's days as the leader of Venezuela are numbered, raising further uncertainty over the future of Venezuela's political landscape. The situation remains fluid, with international eyes closely watching developments.