Maduro refused, after which Trump announced the expansion of so far limited military strikes – from targeting vessels accused of drug smuggling to possible attacks inside Venezuela.
A source familiar with the conversation claims the call was a last-ditch effort to avoid a direct confrontation, but the talks broke down. Maduro asked for amnesty for himself and associates, retaining control of the military and additional time to resign, which Washington did not accept. The situation escalated when Trump announced that Venezuela’s airspace was “completely closed,” after which Maduro could no longer contact the White House.
Caracas called the decision a “hostile act” and a violation of sovereignty. For years, the US has accused Maduro and the top brass of running a drug cartel, offering tens of millions of dollars for information leading to their arrest. US forces have already destroyed more than 20 ships and killed dozens of people linked to drug trafficking, although analysis indicates that most of the fentanyl comes from Mexico and the cocaine across the Pacific Ocean.
Tensions exploded after the State Department so-called The Sun Cartel declared it a foreign terrorist organization, placing Maduro in the same legal framework as ISIS leaders. That designation allows the US president to invoke the AUMF – the authorization to use military force without a formal declaration of war.
At the same time, the US has sent the largest military contingent to the Caribbean region in decades: the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, warships, a submarine and F-35 aircraft. Washington’s goal remains the same – regime change and reducing the influence of Russia and China in oil-rich Venezuela. However, both of Maduro’s allies remain on the sidelines for now due to their own crises and avoiding direct conflict with the US.
Experts warn that a ground invasion would be complicated as US forces would face militias, Colombian guerrillas and some civilians armed by the government. However, the majority of the population would reportedly support the overthrow of Maduro, which would hasten the fall of the military.
A big obstacle for Trump comes from – the USA. According to polls, Americans oppose military intervention, and Trump’s political base rejects sending troops abroad. That’s why analysts estimate that the more likely scenario is the continuation of psychological pressure and possible missile strikes, rather than the sending of ground troops, with the hope that Maduro will withdraw or that the generals will oust him.
(Vijesti.ba)
