Trump Orders Military Action Against Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that preparations are underway for a land-based military operation against Venezuela. He made the statement during a government meeting at the White House on December 2.

“We are no longer striking only from the sea, but also from the land. It’s much easier. We know what routes they use, where they live. We will begin soon,” Trump said.

In recent weeks, reports have circulated that Washington might launch a military campaign against Venezuela. U.S. naval vessels have been stationed near Venezuelan territorial waters for some time.

Officially, these measures are framed as a fight against drug cartels and to prevent drugs from reaching the United States.

“Anyone involved in drug trafficking and selling it in our country will be struck,” Trump added.

On November 29, Trump announced that Venezuela’s airspace had been completely closed, without providing further details.

Earlier, on November 21, after months of pressure, Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro spoke on the phone for 15 minutes. During the call, Trump issued an ultimatum to Maduro to leave the country within a week and go to any country of his choice with his family.

According to sources, Maduro agreed to leave if certain conditions were met, including full legal amnesty for himself and his associates. However, Trump rejected most of these demands and gave him only one week to depart.

The ultimatum expired on November 28, yet Maduro has remained in power.

In August, the U.S. offered $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s capture, with Trump labeling him as an illegally elected leader and claiming the election results were falsified.

Amid increasing U.S. military pressure, Maduro has called on Russia, China, and Iran to strengthen Venezuela’s defenses.

According to media reports, in a letter to Vladimir Putin, Maduro requested assistance to upgrade air defense systems, repair Su-30 fighter jets, and provide radars and missiles.

Previously, on October 22, Russia ratified a strategic cooperation agreement with Venezuela. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Moscow continues to maintain close ties with Caracas and “will respond to current and potential threats.”