US President Donald Trump has indicated that military action against Venezuela remains a possibility, according to remarks made during a phone interview with NBC News. In a conversation published on March 15, 2024, Trump stated, “I don’t rule it out, no,” when asked about the potential for war with the South American nation.
The comments come in the wake of increased tensions following a series of US actions targeting the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro. Last week, the United States seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, and Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuelan waters. He warned, “If they’re foolish enough to be sailing along, they’ll be sailing along back into one of our harbours.”
Trump’s administration has intensified its campaign against Maduro’s government, which has faced severe international criticism for its handling of the country’s political and economic crises. The blockade is aimed at crippling Venezuela’s primary source of income—its oil exports—following similar measures imposed by Washington in recent months. The Venezuelan government condemned Trump’s actions, describing them as a “grotesque threat” to its sovereignty.
Increased Military Presence and Operations
The US has ramped up its military presence in the region, conducting more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. These operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people. In previous statements, Trump has suggested that land strikes against Venezuela might also be forthcoming.
While discussing his strategy, Trump refrained from explicitly stating whether his ultimate goal is to remove Maduro from power. He remarked, “He knows exactly what I want,” referring to the Venezuelan leader. This vague assertion has led to speculation about the US’s intentions, with Maduro accusing the Trump administration of seeking to overthrow him and gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world.
The situation remains fluid, with the White House yet to respond to requests for clarification from Reuters regarding the US’s future plans in Venezuela. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community closely monitors developments in this critical region.
