President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that Venezuela is willing to engage in discussions as tensions escalate between the two nations, while the United States moved to designate a Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. This development comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, raising fears of potential conflict.
Trump made the remarks to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Florida, indicating that the designation of Cartel de los Soles allows the US military to target assets and infrastructure linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, he clarified that no such actions have been decided, and he mentioned, “They would like to talk,” without providing further details on potential dialogues. The president also stated that while congressional authorization is not necessary for military operations, he prefers to keep lawmakers informed about developments.
The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, announced the designation of Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, effective November 24. The US alleges that the cartel is led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials of his government and is involved in terrorist activities and drug trafficking in collaboration with groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel. This move follows previous sanctions and a $50 million reward offered for Maduro’s arrest on drug charges, which Caracas has consistently denied.
The escalation occurs against the backdrop of increased US military presence in the region, including the arrival of the world’s largest aircraft carrier in the Caribbean. Maduro has condemned the buildup, claiming that over 4 million Venezuelans have sworn to defend the country, though such figures are difficult to verify. The Venezuelan government has historically exaggerated similar claims, but the threat of US intervention is palpable.
In Venezuela, the streets of Caracas remained relatively calm despite the tensions, with residents more concerned about daily economic struggles than imminent conflict. The country suffers from hyperinflation, with the IMF reporting rates over 400% annually, and the currency has depreciated significantly since the military deployments began. Many Venezuelans, facing economic hardship, are prioritizing basic needs over preparations for war.
Concurrently, the US has resumed deportations to Venezuela, with a flight carrying 298 deportees arriving in Caracas recently. This comes as the Trump administration has ended temporary protected status for many Venezuelans, and the Supreme Court has allowed the stripping of deportation protections for hundreds of thousands. These actions add to the strain on Venezuela, which is already dealing with a deep economic crisis.
Looking ahead, the situation remains volatile, with Trump’s comments hinting at possible diplomatic openings but also underscoring the risk of military action. The designation of the cartel as a terrorist organization could pave the way for more aggressive US measures, while Maduro’s regime continues to rally domestic support. The international community watches closely as these developments could have significant implications for regional stability and US-Latin American relations.
