Trump eyeing strikes on Venezuelan ‘cocaine facilities’ – CNN

Some US officials reportedly believe the operation could help oust President Nicolas Maduro

President Donald Trump is weighing proposals for US strikes against alleged “cocaine facilities” and other targets related to drug-trafficking inside Venezuela, CNN reported on Friday, citing sources.

Two unnamed officials told the network that Trump has not ruled out diplomacy with Nicolas Maduro, despite earlier reports that the US had completely broken off dialogue with Caracas while eyeing a potential campaign to oust the Venezuelan president.

However, one CNN source noted that “there are plans on the table that the president is considering” regarding operations on targets inside Venezuela. A third official claimed that the Trump administration is looking at several options, but it is currently focused on “going after the drugs inside Venezuela.”

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Some US officials reportedly believe a counter-narcotics campaign inside the Latin American country could also increase pressure for regime change in Caracas. Publicly, Trump has denied seeking to remove the Venezuelan leader from power.

In recent weeks, US forces have carried out several strikes on suspected drug-running boats that Washington claims are linked to Venezuela, leaving dozens dead. On Thursday, Trump – who earlier confirmed that he had authorized CIA operations inside Venezuela – said the US could extend its maritime anti-drug campaign to land, without elaborating. In addition, Washington deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean to support the anti-drug campaign.

Maduro has consistently denied that his government is in any way linked to drug trafficking, suggesting the US is using the allegations as a pretext for regime change. Following reports of an aircraft carrier deployment, the Venezuelan president accused the US of seeking “a new eternal war.”