US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate as Trump Weighs Options

Tensions in US-Venezuelan relations have reached a peak, against which the US is increasing its military presence in the Caribbean. US military forces have launched a new strike on a ship in the Caribbean Sea, which, according to an official American statement, was engaged in drug smuggling. At the same time, rumors about possible military actions against Venezuela are intensifying.

On November 10, by order of the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, the "Southern Spear" joint operational task force delivered a "lethal strike" on a ship controlled by a designated terrorist organization. It is reported that four "narco-terrorists" on board were killed as a result of the operation carried out in international waters. This strike was the 20th such operation since September, resulting in a total of 80 deaths.

Parallel to these events, senior officials of US President Donald Trump's administration held three meetings at the White House to discuss possible military actions against Venezuela. According to media reports, the US has reopened the long-closed "Roosevelt Roads" naval base in Puerto Rico as part of a large-scale buildup of forces near Venezuela.

In a conversation with journalists, President Trump, when asked about the possibility of striking Venezuela, gave an evasive answer: "I seem to have decided... But I can't say what the decision will be exactly."

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reacted harshly to the escalation of the situation. He appealed to the American people, calling on them to stop Trump. "I am now addressing the people of the United States: stop the reckless hand that orders bombing, killing, and threatens war in South America and the Caribbean. Stop the war, no to war. The people of the United States must play a decisive role in preventing a tragedy for all of America," Maduro stated.

Analysts note that Washington's actions could be an attempt to exert pressure on Caracas and strengthen its own influence in the region. Official Caracas, in turn, accuses the US of an aggressive policy and attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, bringing its troops to high combat readiness.