President Donald Trump has convened an emergency meeting at the White House to outline his administration's upcoming actions regarding Venezuela. This meeting comes as the U.S. intensifies its pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
As reported by CNN, the meeting took place this past Monday at 5:00 p.m. in the Oval Office. Key figures from the administration were present, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
The gathering happened amid increasing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and enhanced operations against narcotics trafficking linked to groups associated with the Venezuelan regime.
Over the weekend, Trump issued a directive concerning aviation and navigation networks, warning airlines and pilots to avoid Venezuelan airspace, CNN recalled.
Trump also acknowledged a recent phone conversation with Nicolás Maduro, though he refrained from disclosing the subjects discussed.
Concerns have been raised by U.S. lawmakers from both parties regarding the legality of attacks on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, which have resulted in numerous fatalities in the region.
Despite the critiques, the Trump administration continues its "maximum pressure" strategy against the Venezuelan regime, leveraging diplomatic, financial, and military measures to restore democracy in the nation.
Heightened Military Operations in the Caribbean
The U.S. has significantly boosted its military deployment in the Caribbean as part of "Operation Southern Spear," a strategy that combines counter-narcotics combat operations with mounting pressure on Maduro’s government.
This operation involves live-fire drills from the USS Iwo Jima, attacks on suspected drug vessels, and the use of AV-8B Harrier II aircraft and F-35B stealth fighters.
In addition, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, has been deployed in the area along with a naval strike group comprising destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and over 4,000 personnel.
The goal of these actions is to dismantle transnational criminal networks and strengthen strategic control over the hemisphere.
Escalating Tensions with Venezuela
Tensions have further escalated following an undisclosed phone call between Trump and Maduro, which took place just before military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago and the flight of B-52 bombers over the Caribbean. These maneuvers have been perceived as a direct warning to Caracas.
In response, the Venezuelan regime denounced the U.S. military presence in Caribbean waters as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense accused Washington of preparing for a covert regional aggression.
Maduro also claimed that Trump is aiming to seize Venezuela's oil reserves under the guise of hemispheric security concerns.
Understanding U.S. Tactics and Reactions in Venezuela
Why did President Trump call an emergency meeting about Venezuela?
President Trump called the meeting to determine the next steps of his administration's strategy against the Venezuelan regime, as part of the effort to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro.
What military actions has the U.S. taken in the Caribbean?
The U.S. has enhanced its military presence with "Operation Southern Spear," including live-fire exercises, attacks on suspected drug vessels, and deploying advanced aircraft and naval forces.
How has Venezuela reacted to U.S. military presence?
Venezuela has condemned the U.S. military presence as a threat to its sovereignty, accusing the U.S. of preparing for a regional aggression under false pretenses.