U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had a "very recent" conversation with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Despite the call, Trump stated that it was unproductive and did not lead to any easing of the pressure that Washington continues to exert on Caracas.
"I spoke with him. Very recently. But not much came of it," Trump said to the press when questioned about a possible phone contact with Maduro, as reported by Forbes citing the EFE agency.
These remarks were made at the start of a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Florida residence, amidst rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
Military Actions Linked to Drug Trafficking
Trump attributed the lack of progress in the conversation to recent military actions, including an attack last Wednesday on a dock allegedly used for drug trafficking, according to the BBC.
According to Trump, the United States targeted a "major facility" used to load vessels with narcotics. Although he did not specify whether the target was on Venezuelan soil, he mentioned that the operation took place "along the coastline."
"There was a big explosion in the dock area where they load the boats with drugs. That is the area of operations, and it no longer exists," he stated.
As of now, neither the Pentagon nor other U.S. government agencies have officially confirmed the attack, nor has the Caracas regime. If confirmed, this could mark the first direct U.S. military action against a land target linked to Venezuela.
Intensified Pressure on the Venezuelan Regime
For weeks, Trump has warned that his administration would intensify its offensive against drug trafficking networks associated with the Maduro regime. According to Washington, this campaign has included the destruction of about 30 boats allegedly used for drug trafficking and the deaths of over a hundred crew members in operations in both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
The U.S. government asserts that Maduro, along with high-ranking officials of his administration and the Venezuelan Armed Forces, leads the so-called Cartel of the Suns, an organization designated by Washington as a terrorist group. The Venezuelan regime denies these accusations.
Trump's statements confirm that despite direct contacts between the two leaders, there are no signs of easing tensions, and the U.S. strategy of political, economic, and military pressure against the Maduro regime continues to escalate.
U.S.-Venezuela Relations and Military Actions
Why did Trump consider his call with Maduro unproductive?
Trump described the call as unproductive because it did not lead to any reduction in the pressure that Washington maintains on Caracas.
What recent military actions did Trump mention?
Trump mentioned an attack on a dock allegedly used for drug trafficking, which he described as a major facility where narcotics were loaded onto vessels.
How has the U.S. escalated pressure on the Maduro regime?
The U.S. has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking networks associated with the Maduro regime, including destroying boats and targeting narcotics operations.