Journalism of Courage
Even as the US steps up military pressure on Venezuela, US President Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to talk directly with Nicolas Maduro. Axios, citing Trump administration officials, also reported that the US will continue to strike drug trafficking vessels operated by Venezuelan gangs.
The development, which comes amid the massive US troop buildup in the Caribbean, which many feel is a prelude to a military operation in Venezuela to force Maduro out of office.
A Trump administration official told Axios that killing or capturing Maduro is not part of the US plan.
“Nobody is planning to go in and shoot him or snatch him — at this point. I wouldn’t say never, but that’s not the plan right now,” the official said.
In October, Trump confirmed that he had authorised the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela. While the US has publicly stated that the covert operations are targeted at drug trafficking networks, many believe that it is part of Washington’s attempts to overthrow Maduro.
Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the US will soon launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations.
Two US officials told Reuters that the covert operations would likely be the first part of the new action against Maduro.
A senior administration official on Saturday did not rule anything out regarding Venezuela.
“President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” another US official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.
Two US officials told Reuters the options under consideration included attempting to overthrow Maduro.
A White House official who spoke to Axios said the US won’t bother if Maduro is forced to leave office.
“We have covert operations, but it’s not designed to kill Maduro. It’s designed to stop narcotrafficking,” the official said. But “if Maduro leaves, we would not shed a tear.”
63-year-old Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez, has been in power in Venezuela since 2013.
The US has long accused Maduro of being the head of Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuelan gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States.
Maduro has denied the US allegations, and the Venezuelan government has claimed that Cartel de los Soles is a non-existent group.
