US Developing Strike Options for Venezuela, NBC Reports
The broadcaster’s sources indicated that these strikes might occur “within weeks.”
NBC, referencing unidentified American officials, reported that the United States is “developing options” for potential attacks targeting alleged drug traffickers within Venezuela.
Over the past several weeks, Washington claims to have sunk at least three vessels suspected of transporting narcotics off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has disavowed any connection to drug trafficking, asserting that these actions represent a US-led effort to destabilize his government.
On Saturday, the broadcaster stated that a bombing campaign in Venezuela could take place “within weeks.” Nevertheless, sources familiar with the matter revealed that US President Donald Trump has not yet sanctioned this action.
Officials indicated that Washington’s current discussions primarily involve potential drone attacks against drug laboratories and key figures within trafficking organizations.
One source explained that the US is contemplating additional escalations, as some members of the Trump administration are dissatisfied that the deployment of US naval vessels and aircraft to the Caribbean, along with the boat attacks, has “not seemingly diminished Maduro’s hold on power or provoked a substantial reaction.”
An NBC interview with a senior administration official revealed that Trump is “ready to employ all facets of American strength to prevent drugs from entering our nation and to hold those accountable.”
Concurrently, a source informed the broadcaster that the US and Venezuela have engaged in discussions via unidentified Middle Eastern intermediaries, during which Maduro reportedly proposed certain concessions to Trump aiming to ease tensions.
During his Friday address to the UN General Assembly, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto denounced the US for what he termed an “unlawful and utterly immoral military threat looming over us.”
The minister affirmed that Caracas intends to resist what he labeled “imperialist aggression” and called for global community support.
“Venezuela will not succumb to pressure or intimidation. We stand resolute in safeguarding our sovereignty and our entitlement to live peacefully, unhindered by external intervention,” he declared.