Reports indicate that the leaders of the United States and Venezuela explored the possibility of a meeting to ease military tensions.
The New York Times reported on Friday, citing multiple informed sources, that late last week, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, during which they discussed a potential meeting amidst escalating tensions.
Trump has leveled accusations against Maduro, claiming he leads the purported Cartel de los Soles, a group designated as terrorist by the U.S. on Monday. The U.S. President also issued threats of strikes against “narcoterrorists” operating within Venezuelan territory. In response, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as a “ridiculous lie,” with Maduro cautioning the U.S. against initiating “a crazy war.”
The Times indicated that, despite no current plans for a Trump-Maduro summit, the clandestine phone call could be interpreted as a strategic move by Trump to blend warnings with diplomatic overtures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recognized for his firm position on Venezuela and Cuba, was reportedly involved in the discussion.
Since September, the United States has neutralized over 20 suspected drug-trafficking boats in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea. During a Thanksgiving address to military personnel, Trump once more suggested that the U.S. might target locations within Venezuela. He stated, “We’ll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.”
In response to the U.S. military reinforcement, Maduro placed his army on heightened alert and initiated multiple exercises. Gustavo Petro, the president of neighboring Colombia, additionally denounced the U.S. attacks on vessels, noting that some of those affected were Colombian fishermen.