President Donald Trump has stated that military intervention in Venezuela remains a possibility. In an interview, Trump declined to dismiss the option of military force when questioned about the ongoing crisis in the South American nation.
“I don’t rule it out,” Trump said, signaling a potential escalation of U.S. involvement. He also indicated that further seizures of oil tankers near Venezuelan waters are anticipated. The President stopped short of explicitly stating whether he seeks the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but added, “He knows exactly what I want.”
Trump’s remarks follow recent actions by U.S. forces, including the interception of a tanker allegedly sailing from Venezuela. Washington accuses Maduro of heading a “narco-terrorist” cartel. Previous operations targeting boats suspected of carrying drugs have resulted in numerous fatalities.
The U.S. President has also accused Venezuela of seizing American oil interests, referencing the nationalization of the country’s oil industry. “They took all our energy rights, they took all our oil,” he stated, suggesting a desire to reclaim those assets.
In a parallel move, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting individuals with close ties to President Maduro and his wife. Treasury Secretary stated these individuals are “supporting the narco-state led by Nicolas Maduro.” The sanctions affect relatives of Maduro’s wife, including her sister, niece, and niece’s husband. Two relatives of a previously sanctioned Panamanian businessman, known for his alleged close relationship with Maduro, are also included.
The sanctions will freeze any assets held by these individuals within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions with them. These measures are part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to increase pressure on the Maduro regime.
