Trump Meets Advisers as United States Intensifies Pressure Campaign on Venezuela Crisis, WASHINGTON Dec 1 Reuters President Donald Trump is preparing to meet on Monday with several of his most senior advisers to review developments related to Venezuela as well as other international concerns according to two individuals familiar with the planning. The discussion will take place in the Oval Office at 5 p.m. EST 2200 GMT and will bring together Secretary of State Marco Rubio Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other influential members of Trump’s national security circle the sources said. The meeting comes at a moment when the White House is dramatically increasing US pressure on Venezuela. Officials in Washington have repeatedly accused the Venezuelan government of allowing large scale drug operations to move through the country and into international waters. The Trump administration argues that these alleged narcotics shipments have directly harmed American communities and therefore justify stronger action from the United States.
United States Escalates Venezuela Pressure Ahead of Trump’s High-Level Adviser Talks
Adding to regional tensions Trump announced on Saturday that the airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered completely closed although he declined to provide additional clarification.The remark sparked immediate speculation in Caracas fueling public anxiety and prompting questions among analysts about whether Washington might be preparing new restrictions or other policy steps.Trump also confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken directly with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.The United States does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela but the president offered no information about the nature or purpose of their conversation.The administration has been evaluating a series of measures designed to confront what it portrays as Maduro’s role in enabling the flow of illegal drugs toward US shores. Maduro has repeatedly rejected the accusations insisting that his government has no involvement in the illegal drug trade. American military forces stationed in the region have been heavily focused on counter narcotics missions even though the scale of US presence far exceeds what is typically needed for such operations.
Since September US troops have launched at least 21 strikes on vessels identified as drug trafficking boats in both the Caribbean and the Pacific. These missions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 80 individuals involved in suspected drug operations. Rumors of possible new US action toward Venezuela have intensified in recent weeks as relations between the two governments have continued to deteriorate.The movement of American military assets into the Caribbean has only added to speculation about the direction of US policy and the level of US pressure that could be applied in the coming weeks. As Trump gathers his advisers for Monday’s meeting officials and observers alike will be watching closely for any signals that Washington intends to escalate efforts to confront Maduro’s government. For now the administration appears committed to keeping up strong US pressure on Venezuela’s leadership while leaving open the possibility of additional steps depending on how the situation evolves.
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source:reuters.com
