Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has hinted for the first time at the possibility of an attack targeting ground objectives in Venezuela.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 28th, local time, President Trump mentioned a U.S. military operation to block drug smuggling from Central and South America during a radio interview released that day, stating, “We removed a large facility from which ships were departing two days ago.”
Although President Trump did not specify a country by name, government officials disclosed that he was referring to a drug-related facility in Venezuela.
However, government officials also refrained from providing detailed explanations about the exact nature, location, and operation method of the attack target.
If President Trump’s remarks prove true, it would mark the first instance of striking a land target after military tensions escalated with Venezuela.
After declaring a war against drug cartels earlier this year, President Trump directed military action against Venezuelan cartels such as Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Since then, the U.S. military has been conducting operations targeting ships suspected of transporting drugs in regions like the Caribbean Sea.
It has been reported that at least 105 people have died as a result of these operations.
Additionally, President Trump suggested earlier this month the possibility of expanding the military operations conducted in waters near Venezuela to include ground targets in Venezuela.
For this reason, there is growing speculation about the possibility of the U.S. conducting military operations aimed at changing the regime in Venezuela.
In particular, the Trump administration issued an ultimatum urging President Nicolás Maduro to “resign immediately and go into exile,” but it is reported that President Maduro refused.
According to Trump administration officials, the current U.S. military operation focused on maritime strikes was originally planned in two phases.
The second phase, which has not been disclosed to the media, reportedly included attacks on drug facilities within Venezuela.
Previously, President Trump announced that he had authorized the CIA to plan secret operations inside Venezuela.
Regarding the CIA’s operations, only sabotage or psychological warfare has been mentioned, with exact details not disclosed.
[Photo Source: EPA=Yonhap News]
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