US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday that a decision could come soon on whether to take military action against Venezuela, which he accused of close ties to the illegal drug trade.
“I can’t say what it would be, but I’ve kind of made up my mind” about Venezuela, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Senior Trump administration officials held three meetings at the White House this week to discuss options for possible military operations in , officials said Friday, amid a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.
Trump has sent F-35 planes, warships and a nuclear submarine to the region as part of a military buildup following two months of deadly attacks on boats off the coast of Venezuela.
Earlier this week, the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group entered the Latin American region – bringing with it more than 75 military aircraft and more than 5,000 troops.
The Venezuelan dictator, who has held office since 2013, said Trump is trying to oust him from power.
Trump has repeatedly said he is not seeking regime change in Venezuela.
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela’s neighbor Colombia have also risen in recent weeks, with Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro trading hairs.
Trump called and imposed sanctions on him.
The left-wing Colombian president accused the US of committing murder with its attacks.
