On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he has reached a decision regarding potential military actions against Venezuela, though he refrained from detailing the next steps.
"I've made my decision. I can't reveal what it will be," Trump stated to reporters as he walked towards Air Force One en route to Florida for the weekend.
Trump highlighted progress with Venezuela in curbing the massive influx of drugs into the United States, a key concern for his administration.
In recent days, the U.S. president has held multiple meetings with senior officials at the Pentagon, including discussions with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.
According to a report by The Washington Post, these meetings have explored various military strategies that could be implemented against Venezuela as part of the so-called "Operation Southern Spear."
Since August, the United States has escalated its military presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying approximately 10,000 troops alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest and most versatile combat platform.
The mission, as outlined by Hegseth, aims to disrupt drug trafficking routes originating from Venezuela and targeting the U.S., while also neutralizing criminal organizations that the American government associates with the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
Recently, the Southern Command released a video showing another vessel in the Caribbean being intercepted, capturing four alleged drug traffickers on board. This action is part of the ongoing operations conducted under the same mission.
U.S. forces remain on high alert, prepared to execute attack orders. However, Trump has maintained a "strategy of ambiguity" to avoid revealing plans to potential adversaries.
In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his citizens to prepare for a possible "armed struggle," mobilizing 200,000 troops across the country.
Concurrently, Maduro appealed to American citizens to halt what he termed a warlike action against South America and the Caribbean, accusing Washington of "fabricating" a conflict against him.
Despite the heightened tensions, as of Friday evening, Trump had not authorized ground attacks. Nonetheless, U.S. officials noted that military options remain available to the president and could be swiftly enacted if he chooses.
Meanwhile, the operation continues to focus on naval targets, with coordinated exercises involving the USS Gerald R. Ford and B-52 bombers, all part of a multidomain strategy aimed at safeguarding U.S. territory and combating drug trafficking.
Trump's declaration, "I've made my decision," signifies a pivotal moment in U.S. policy towards Venezuela, keeping the region on edge over the potential for a conflict that could extend beyond the current maritime operations.
Key Questions About U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela
What is "Operation Southern Spear"?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. military initiative aimed at disrupting drug trafficking from Venezuela and neutralizing criminal organizations linked to Nicolás Maduro's regime.
How many U.S. troops are deployed in the Caribbean?
Approximately 10,000 U.S. soldiers are stationed in the southern Caribbean as part of the military efforts to address threats from Venezuela.
Has Trump authorized ground attacks against Venezuela?
As of now, President Trump has not approved any ground attacks against Venezuela, though military options remain available for potential use.