Related videos:
Tensions between Washington and Caracas escalated once again on Tuesday following statements from U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who warned that Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, has “many decisions to make” in light of the
In an interview with the Fox network, a preview of which was released this Monday, Hegseth stated that the United States is ready to “use its power to destroy the narcoterrorists who are sending drugs” to American territory.
According to the official, Washington has evidence that Maduro “has been involved in drug trafficking for years,” which would justify both the ongoing military operation and the $50 million reward currently in effect against him in a New York court.
Hegseth made these statements from Puerto Rico, where he visited some of the over 7,000 personnel deployed in the southern Caribbean.
Before the soldiers, he emphasized that this is not a “training exercise”, but rather a real operation, with over 15 warships and a dozen aircraft already positioned off the Venezuelan coast. This represents the largest U.S. naval mobilization in the region since the 1980s.
The position of the White House
The presidential spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, reiterated on Tuesday that the Maduro government is “illegitimate” and that the Trump administration will not allow “illegal and deadly” drugs to continue entering the United States.
Leavitt recalled the attack on September 2, when U.S. forces sank a boat coming from Venezuela with 11 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua on board. The White House stated that the vessel was carrying a cargo capable of “killing thousands of Americans.”
"This sends a clear message: the president will not tolerate it," the official said.
Caracas denounces aggression
The Venezuelan government categorically rejected the accusations and denounced a media manipulation campaign by Washington. Maduro accused Trump of seeking a "regime change" through the use of force and announced that he will strengthen military presence in the coastal states in response.
With cross threats and the presence of ships and fighters in the region, the Caribbean has become a focal point of high tension between the United States and Venezuela.
Filed under: