Trump warns of ‘second strike’ on Venezuela if demands ignored after Maduro’s arrest

Trump threatens fresh military action against Venezuela if demands ignored

US President Donald Trump warned Venezuela on Sunday that Washington could launch another military operation if the country’s interim leadership fails to comply with US demands following the arrest of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro.

Trump said the United States was prepared to carry out a “second wave” of attacks if cooperation was not forthcoming. However, he added that Washington hoped further action would not be necessary.

“If they do not behave, we will carry out a second strike on Venezuela,” he said, adding that the US was ready for another operation but hoped it would not be necessary.

The warning comes after Trump issued a separate threat to Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying she would face severe consequences if she failed to cooperate with Washington after Maduro was captured and transferred to US custody.

According to the Guardian, US officials have kept a 15,000-strong force positioned in the Caribbean as leverage, even as the prospect of Washington taking direct control of the oil-rich nation appeared to recede.

Maduro’s arrest has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with Trump signalling that the United States is prepared to escalate pressure, including military action, if Venezuela’s interim leadership resists American demands.