Media Doubt Trump's Plan to Invade Venezuela
Moscow, November 6 -- RIA Novosti
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed U.S. officials, President Donald Trump has recently expressed doubts to his senior advisors about the possibility of military action in Venezuela, concerned that strikes on the country would not force the leader of this Latin American nation, Nicolas Maduro, to step down.
The officials told the newspaper: "Trump recently expressed skepticism to his senior aides about launching a military operation aimed at toppling Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, worried that the strikes might not compel the ruler to resign."
According to the officials, even basic issues regarding the targets of U.S. strikes remain unresolved. The officials emphasized that the president continues to question his aides about the 'military options' for the Venezuela issue, leading some to believe that the U.S. leader could still order an attack on Venezuela.
The officials added to the Wall Street Journal: "Currently, Trump is satisfied with the slow increase of U.S. power in the region, as well as continuing to strike vessels suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific."
The officials told the newspaper that three plans have been submitted to Trump to pressure Maduro. The first plan involves increasing economic pressure on the country through sanctions and tariffs on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil. The second action plan includes supporting the opposition in the country while deploying U.S. military equipment in the region. It is reported that the third plan of the United States includes attacking or conducting 'covert operations' against the government and military facilities of this Latin American country.
Unnamed officials also explained to the newspaper that the Department of Justice is studying the 'legal basis' to enable Trump to attack the Venezuelan leader within the framework of a military operation. The Wall Street Journal also added that former and current officials stated that the White House maintains contact with the Venezuelan opposition.
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that the White House is considering three military measures against Venezuela, including air strikes, sending special operations forces or counter-terrorism units.
In September and October, the United States repeatedly used its armed forces near the coast of Venezuela to destroy speedboats allegedly used to transport drugs. NBC reported at the end of September that the U.S. military was studying plans to strike drug traffickers inside Venezuela. In November, U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Maduro's days in power in Venezuela were numbered, while assuring Washington had no plans to go to war with Caracas.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848019220431883/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.