The Trump administration is, behind closed doors, preparing an increasingly aggressive strategy Towards Venezuela. According to US officials cited by the New York TimesWhite House advisors are machining on the wider campaign To increase military pressure against Nicolás Madurowith the aim of forcing his departure from power.
The plan is the work of Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States, who considers that the Venezuelan dictator is a “fugitive of justice” and an illegitimate leader at the head of a “narcoterrorist organization.”
The internal debate has climbed after the US army claimed to have made lethal attacks against vessels that, according to the government, transported drugs linked to Venezuelan cartels. At least 17 people died in those operations, executed in international waters since September.
Administration justifies attacks as part of a Drug trafficking operationbut there are numerous legal experts who underline that they lack the basis in international law.
Rubio, with Cuban and senator for Florida, has been one of the main architects of the Hard hand policy to Caracas. His strategy, backed by intelligence director John Ratcliffe and advisor Stephen Miller, seeks not only to dismantle drug trafficking in the region, but also to strengthen the fence on Maduro.
The Pentagon has already deployed more than 6,500 soldiers in the Caribbean and prepares possible military operations against drug trafficking suspects in Venezuela, although the White House has not yet given green light to that phase.
The first 100 hours without mature
Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition sectors in exile have discreet conversations with Washington On a transition scenario. Pedro Urruchurtu, María Corina Machado advisorhe assured al New York Times that there is even a Detailed plan for the first 100 hours after a hypothetical fall of Maduro, which would include The transfer of power to Edmundo Gonzálezopponent exiled in Spain and considered by international observers as the true winner of the 2024 elections.
The formal accusation presented in 2020 by the Department of Justice against Maduro and several of its collaborators remains the basis of Washington’s political offensive. It is accused of leading a criminal network dedicated to drug trafficking.
The reward for your capture is currently in some 50 million dollars. “This is an operation to dismant New York Times.
From Caracas, Maduro’s government plans drug trafficking accusations. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assured the American newspaper QEU Venezuela is not a great producer or drug exporter And he accused Washington of looking for a “regime change” under the pretext of the anti -drug struggle.
In September, Maduro even sent a personal letter to Trump, asking to open a dialogue channel, an option that the White House has ruled out.