US Diplomatic Efforts Take a Backseat to Military Pressure in Venezuela Tensions
In a surprising twist, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of diplomatic talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, even as the US ramps up military pressure on the South American nation. The suggestion comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, with the US designating the Cartel de los Soles, a group allegedly run by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization.
The designation, set to take effect on November 24, allows the US government to seize assets and make it unlawful to provide material support to the group. Maduro has repeatedly denied any ties to the drug trade, accusing the US of fabricating a war against him.
On Air Force One late Sunday, Trump suggested that "they would like to talk" with Maduro, adding that the US may be having some discussions with him. However, he did not elaborate further on the possibility of talks. When asked whether the terror designation means the US could then target Maduro's personal assets, Trump said: "It allows us to do that, but we haven't said we're going to do that."
In a separate development, the US Southern Command confirmed on X that it carried out a strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, killing three people. The strike took place in international waters and was allegedly aimed at a Designated Terrorist Organization.
This is the latest in a series of military operations by the US against Venezuela, which has killed more than 75 people, according to officials. The recent strikes have generated controversy in Congress, with Democrats and some Republicans painting the administration's moves as heavy-handed overreach that circumvents lawmakers.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through on his suggestion of diplomatic talks with Maduro or if he will stick to a hardline approach against the Venezuelan government.
In a surprising twist, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of diplomatic talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, even as the US ramps up military pressure on the South American nation. The suggestion comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, with the US designating the Cartel de los Soles, a group allegedly run by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization.
The designation, set to take effect on November 24, allows the US government to seize assets and make it unlawful to provide material support to the group. Maduro has repeatedly denied any ties to the drug trade, accusing the US of fabricating a war against him.
On Air Force One late Sunday, Trump suggested that "they would like to talk" with Maduro, adding that the US may be having some discussions with him. However, he did not elaborate further on the possibility of talks. When asked whether the terror designation means the US could then target Maduro's personal assets, Trump said: "It allows us to do that, but we haven't said we're going to do that."
In a separate development, the US Southern Command confirmed on X that it carried out a strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, killing three people. The strike took place in international waters and was allegedly aimed at a Designated Terrorist Organization.
This is the latest in a series of military operations by the US against Venezuela, which has killed more than 75 people, according to officials. The recent strikes have generated controversy in Congress, with Democrats and some Republicans painting the administration's moves as heavy-handed overreach that circumvents lawmakers.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through on his suggestion of diplomatic talks with Maduro or if he will stick to a hardline approach against the Venezuelan government.
. One day you're gonna have diplomatic talks and the next day you're trying to take him down with a terrorist designation? It's all just a big mess. And what's with these military strikes? Killing people in international waters is like, totally not cool, fam 
. I mean, can't we just try to resolve things peacefully for once? 
. It's like they're saying "we gotcha" to Maduro before even talking to him. And what's the end game here? Are we really gonna take a hardline stance or try to negotiate with them? I just hope no one gets hurt, you know? Those strikes are getting too intense...
. See, when we're feeling threatened or angry (like Trump), it's easy to want to take action without thinking things through. But then we realize that our actions might actually escalate the situation and make things worse 
.
. Instead of talking to each other, we're just yelling louder and making it harder for anyone who might be willing to listen 
.
. It's never easy, but it's usually worth a shot 
.
I'm all for keeping the peace, but come on, can't we try to talk things out first? 
like, i was skeptical at first but now i'm hooked 
anyway, back to venezuela... i feel bad for maduro, i mean he's got a tough spot with the US and all... it's like, can't they just talk things out? 
either way, i'm not sure what's gonna happen next but hopefully it doesn't escalate into a big mess 
. And on the other hand, it seems like the US is just being all secretive about their military operations in Venezuela 
... what's going on, right?
. And Trump saying that he might talk to Maduro, but not actually saying if it's gonna happen... that's just confusing 
.
.