President Donald Trump mentioned on Sunday that there might be ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, suggesting a potential diplomatic channel as the U.S. reinforces its military presence near Venezuela with the deployment of its most advanced aircraft carrier.
While not divulging specific details about the potential talks with Maduro, Trump acknowledged that “Venezuela would like to talk.” The U.S. military has been conducting strikes against vessels suspected of carrying drugs. The recent arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships in the region, as confirmed by the Navy, signals a significant development in what the administration characterizes as a counterdrug operation but is perceived by some as a tactic to increase pressure on Maduro.
When pressed on the meaning behind his statement that Maduro is willing to engage in talks, Trump responded with uncertainty, stating, “What does it mean? You tell me, I don’t know.” He later added that he is open to dialogue with anyone and is curious to see how things unfold.
Maduro, who is facing narcoterrorism charges in the U.S., has accused the U.S. government of concocting a war against him. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford caps off the largest concentration of U.S. military power in the region in decades, involving nearly a dozen Navy ships and around 12,000 sailors and Marines.
Concurrently, the military reported its latest strike on a small boat suspected of transporting illegal drugs. The Southern Command released a video depicting the boat being destroyed in an attack alleged to have occurred in international waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The military is yet to provide further details upon request.
Since early September, the U.S. has conducted a series of similar strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 83 individuals in 21 incidents.
The carrier strike group, comprising fighter jet squadrons and guided-missile destroyers, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands, according to the Navy. Adm. Alvin Holsey, overseeing the Caribbean and Latin America, emphasized the readiness of American forces to confront transnational threats aimed at destabilizing the region.
In Trinidad and Tobago, located just 11 kilometers from Venezuela at its closest point, officials disclosed ongoing joint training exercises with the U.S. military to address violent crime on the island, known as a transit point for drug shipments to Europe and North America. Venezuela’s government condemned the training exercises as hostile acts.
The U.S. administration has maintained that its buildup aims to stem drug trafficking into the U.S., yet has not provided evidence supporting its claims that those killed in the boat strikes were involved in narcotics-related terrorism. Trump hinted at potential military actions beyond sea strikes, affirming the intention to prevent drug inflow by land.
In a recent announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the intention to designate Cartel de los Soles, led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials, a foreign terrorist organization. This move, set to take effect on Nov. 24, would criminalize any support to the cartel or its affiliates.
Trump’s rationale for targeting drug boats aligns with his stance on combating drug cartels under the guise of armed conflict with foreign terror groups operating the vessels. Despite regional and international criticisms, including from UN officials and U.S. lawmakers, Trump has continued the aggressive approach.
While G7 allies, such as France, have condemned the boat strikes as breaching international law, Canada has recently acknowledged the U.S. authority to determine its actions in this regard. Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, emphasized the distinction between these strikes and joint drug interdiction efforts under Operation Caribbe involving Canadian and U.S. military personnel.