US President Donald Trump has raised the prospect of further military intervention in Venezuela, stating that the United States is prepared for a “second wave” of action if necessary. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump emphasized that the US is “not afraid of boots on the ground” in efforts to influence the political landscape in Venezuela.
Trump’s comments come following a recent operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He described a plan for the United States to manage the country until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can occur. “We want peace, liberty, and justice for the great people of Venezuela,” he stated, adding that this includes Venezuelans living in the US who wish to return home.
In a stark warning, Trump expressed concerns about the potential for an undesirable regime to seize control in Venezuela. He stated, “We can’t take a chance that someone else will take over Venezuela that doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind.” This reflects a broader strategy that appears to involve a direct US role in Venezuelan governance.
Details of Operational Plans
The president indicated that military options remain on the table, suggesting the possibility of a much larger military operation if required. “We’re there now, but we’re going to stay until such time as a proper transition can take place,” he said. While he confirmed that the military had planned for a second wave of assaults, the recent successful extraction of Maduro and his wife reduced the immediate need for such action.
Trump also claimed that US oil companies would take control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which he criticized as “a bust,” stating that current production levels pale in comparison to the country’s potential. He indicated that US companies would invest “billions” of dollars to restore the nation’s oil infrastructure, with revenue from these operations intended to fund military efforts.
“The people of Venezuela will be rich, independent, and safe as a result of the US taking over control of their country,” Trump asserted. This statement reflects a significant shift in US policy towards Venezuela and raises questions about the implications for both Venezuelan citizens and international relations.
Military Presence and Future Actions
Responding to inquiries about the necessity of a military presence, Trump reiterated, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.” He confirmed that military personnel had already been deployed at a “very high level” during the operation. The president assured reporters that the US is working to identify individuals who will help facilitate governance in Venezuela.
As the situation unfolds, Trump’s statements signal a potentially aggressive stance toward Venezuela, with significant implications for the region. The international community will be watching closely to see how the US plans to implement these ambitions and the impact on Venezuelan society.
For ongoing developments and detailed coverage, please stay tuned for updates.
