US has been deploying warships, fighter jets, bombers, marines, drones, and CIA operatives in what it says is a campaign targeting drug traffickers. (AP Photos) The United States is reportedly set to launch its new phase of operations in Venezuela in a few days, four US officials said as President Donald Trump’s administration escalates pressure on Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro’s government, Reuters reported.
The report wasn’t able to establish the exact timing when the operation would be launched by the Trump administration nor if President Trump has taken the final decision to act. In recent weeks, the US military has deployed forces in the Caribbean indicating a possible military action which could take place from air, naval and even with US forces on ground in the Caracas amid worsening relations with Venezuela’s administration.
A senior official from the Trump administration stopped short of ruling out anything related to military actions in Venezuela. “President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” the official added, Reuters reported.
The Trump administration has been contemplating military action in Venezuela as the federal government alleges that Maduro’s dispensation has been directly involved in supplying illegal drugs to the shores of the US which has killed several Americans. However, Maduro has denied having any links with the illegal trade of drugs.
Maduro, who has been ruling Venezuela since 2013 and will celebrate his 63rd birthday on Sunday, has alleged that Trump wants to oust him from power and the citizens of Caracas would resist any such effort.
After the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” while flying above the airspace of Venezuela, at least three international airlines have canceled their flights which were scheduled to depart from Venezuela on Saturday.
According to Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport’s website, Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca and TAP Air Portugal have canceled their flights departing from Caracas on Saturday.
(with inputs from Reuters)
