Trump ready to speak with Venezuela’s Maduro over drug-smuggling strikes

Trump ready to speak with Venezuela’s Maduro over drug-smuggling strikes
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has told his advisers that he plans to speak directly with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington designated him as the head of a terrorist organisation on Monday, Axios reported.

According to U.S. administration officials cited by Axios, Trump’s move represents a key step in his gunboat diplomacy towards Venezuela and may indicate that U.S. missile strikes or direct military action on land are not imminent.

"Nobody is planning to go in and shoot him or snatch him — at this point. I wouldn’t say never, but that’s not the plan right now," one official said. "In the meantime, we’re going to blow up boats shipping drugs. We’re going to stop the drug trafficking."

No date has been set for a call between Trump and Maduro, which remains “in the planning stages,” another official told Axios.

"Maduro is a narcoterrorist. Always lead with that word if you want to represent the president’s thinking," the official added.

On Monday, the U.S. formally designated the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO).

For months, the U.S. has expanded military operations across Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines, and drones amid speculation of a potential attack on Venezuela. Trump, however, reiterated on Friday that he would soon speak with Maduro.

Maduro has stated that Venezuela is ready for “face-to-face” dialogue with Washington.

Tags