Top advisers to US President Donald Trump are pushing for the White House to authorize a military operation in order to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, revealed The New York Times.
The possibility of an intervention has gained strength amid rising tensions between both countries and the increasing deployment of US forces in the Caribbean.
According to the information published by the New York newspaperhigh-level officials, including Marco Rubio, secretary of state and national security advisor; CIA Director John Ratcliffe and top domestic policy advisor Stephen Miller are pushing a plan for “regime change” in Venezuela.
In August, the State Department doubled the reward for Maduro’s capture and in September Rubio told Fox News: “We are not going to allow a cartel, operating or posing as a government, to act in our own hemisphere.”
Trump claims to be in “armed conflict” with cartels linked to Venezuela
He New York Times It also indicates that the Trump administration raised the tone of its accusations by maintaining that the United States is formally in an “armed conflict” with drug trafficking organizations considered terrorists.
Among these structures, Washington included the Aragua Train and the Suns Cartel, both described by the US government as criminal groups controlled or protected by Maduro.
According to the newspaper, the White House notified Congress that Trump had determined that his country is at war with certain “terrorist” cartels, although without detailing the names of the groups.
Military deployment near Venezuela
The report of The New York Times points out that since August the Pentagon significantly increases its military presence in the southern Caribbean.
The United States maintains 8 warships, P-8 surveillance aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, an attack submarine and F-35 fighters stationed in Puerto Rico in the region.
A marine expeditionary unit is also deployed, raising the total forces to more than 6,500 troops.
Sources cited by New York Times They warn that this military concentration “goes far beyond what is necessary to intercept small vessels,” which has fueled speculation that Washington could be preparing a broader operation.
E Pentagon, according to the media, has drawn up plans to extend the current military campaign with operations in Venezuela, following a directive issued by the White House.
Although it has not been confirmed whether these plans include the capture or elimination of Maduro, sources cited by The New York Times they assure that The issue has been discussed at the highest level of government.
