Trump Warns Maduro: "Your Days Are Numbered"

President Donald Trump has once again intensified the conflict with Caracas, declaring that Nicolás Maduro's "days are numbered" and suggesting that a ground intervention in Venezuela remains a possibility.

In an interview with journalist Dasha Burns, published by Politico on Tuesday, Trump's comments come at a time of heightened tension between the two governments, a situation not seen in over a decade.

When directly questioned by Burns about how far he was willing to go to remove Maduro from power, Trump was unequivocal: "Your days are numbered." When pressed further on whether a ground invasion could be ruled out, the President replied, "I don't want to confirm or deny that... Why would I discuss it with Politico, a publication so hostile to me?"

This brief exchange has raised alarms across the region, especially after Trump indicated last week that "very soon we will also begin on land" operations against drug trafficking in Venezuelan territory.

Military Operations and Rising Tensions

Since mid-year, Washington has launched its largest military operation in the Caribbean in two decades. The operation, named "Southern Spear," has reportedly destroyed at least twenty vessels accused of drug trafficking and resulted in over 80 deaths. The U.S. has labeled these individuals as "narcoterrorists" linked to the Cartel of the Suns, a criminal network allegedly tied to Maduro's circle.

Simultaneously, the Pentagon maintains a naval blockade near Venezuelan shores and conducts daily reconnaissance flights.

Diplomatic Contradictions and Caracas' Response

Despite the military posturing, there are mixed signals. In November, Trump and Maduro engaged in a phone conversation, described by sources cited in The Washington Post as "cordial."

While Trump expressed a desire for Maduro to step down, he did not set any deadlines or ultimatums. Nevertheless, the White House continues to reject Maduro's legitimacy.

Caracas quickly responded to the new warning. "We are a people of peace, but rest assured we will fight," declared Jorge Rodríguez, chief negotiator for the Chavismo and president of the National Assembly.

During a public event in Caracas, Rodríguez warned that Venezuela would defend itself against any aggression "by land, air, or sea" and accused the United States of seeking "a war to devastate the country."

Venezuela's Military Stance and the Broader Crisis

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López was even more explicit, stating that the resolve to confront the United States is "armed," and affirming that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces remain united against what he termed "a new military aggression by American imperialism."

While Trump claims to "know all the routes" and "all the houses" where drugs are allegedly produced in Venezuela, the Chavismo argues that Washington's actions aim for regime change under the guise of an anti-drug campaign.

Amidst this warlike rhetoric, millions of Venezuelans, both at home and abroad, watch with anxiety as a crisis that has already overwhelmed the political sphere edges dangerously close to military conflict.