US President Donald Trump on Friday ruled out the possibility of launching military strikes inside Venezuela, as tensions rise over Washington’s expanding operations against drug trafficking networks in the Caribbean.
Responding to reporters’ questions on whether his administration was considering direct action within Venezuelan territory, Trump said simply, “No.”
His remarks follow weeks of speculation after a series of US air and naval operations destroyed several vessels suspected of smuggling drugs near Venezuelan waters. The strikes, part of a broader anti-cartel campaign, had led to concerns that Washington might extend its offensive into the country itself.
Earlier, Trump had hinted that land-based options were being examined following maritime operations, and reports suggested that the CIA had been authorised to carry out covert activities inside Venezuela.
According to reports, US B-1 Lancer bombers have already conducted flight missions close to Venezuelan airspace -- a show of force described by officials as an “attack demonstration.”
Recent media reports revealed that Trump has authorised a wider “war on cartels” that extends from the Caribbean to the Pacific. US strikes have already killed at least 62 people aboard boats allegedly ferrying drugs. However, several Latin American governments claim the victims were unarmed fishermen, raising concerns of collateral damage.
The United States has placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s capture and another $25 million on senior officials including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, alleged to be one of the key figures in cartel operations.
The Soles network, named after the sun insignia worn by Venezuelan generals, is believed to smuggle tons of cocaine to North America through Venezuela’s ports and air bases. Washington has accused Caracas of using its state-run oil company and military infrastructure to fund trafficking operations in collaboration with Mexican and Colombian criminal networks.
The Pentagon’s expanded naval deployment in the Caribbean has intensified since 2024, when Trump began linking anti-cartel operations directly to national security. According to reports, US forces have also deployed land-based Typhon launchers capable of striking targets up to 1,000 miles away, putting Caracas well within range.
President Trump earlier confirmed that CIA operations are already underway inside Venezuela. He has not ruled out ground intervention. “We are targeting those who poison our communities,” he said.
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