Sources say some US officials think such action could help remove President Nicolas Maduro.
Citing sources, CNN reported on Friday that President Trump is considering proposals for US strikes against alleged “cocaine facilities” and other drug-related targets within Venezuela.
According to two unnamed officials, Trump hasn’t dismissed diplomatic options with Nicolas Maduro, despite previous indications that the US had ended dialogue with Caracas while considering a potential campaign to oust him.
However, a CNN source said that “there are plans on the table that the president is considering” concerning operations on targets inside Venezuela. Another official stated that the Trump administration is exploring various options, but is currently focused on “going after the drugs inside Venezuela.”
Reportedly, some US officials believe a counter-narcotics campaign in Venezuela could increase pressure for regime change. Publicly, Trump has denied seeking to remove the Venezuelan leader from power.
Recently, US forces have conducted several strikes on boats suspected of drug-running, which Washington claims are linked to Venezuela, resulting in numerous deaths. On Thursday, Trump confirmed he had authorized CIA operations inside Venezuela and suggested the US might extend its maritime anti-drug campaign to land, without providing details. Furthermore, Washington deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean to aid the anti-drug campaign.
Maduro has consistently denied any government involvement in drug trafficking, claiming the US is using these allegations as a pretext for regime change. Following reports of the aircraft carrier deployment, the Venezuelan president accused the US of seeking “a new eternal war.”