US President Donald Trump did not rule out deploying troops to Venezuela, stating, "No, I don't rule that out. I don't rule anything out. What we need to do is deal with the Venezuela problem. They have pushed hundreds of thousands of people from prisons into our country." He made these remarks in the Oval Office on 17/11/2024, responding to a reporter's question about potential military intervention.

Despite escalating tensions from an increased US military presence in the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking, the White House remains open to dialogue with Venezuela's leadership.

"At some point, I will talk to him," Trump said, though he added that Venezuela's leader "is not behaving well with the US."

US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on 17/11/2024. Photo: AP

Washington has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a "narco-terrorist syndicate," a charge Maduro denies. Caracas, in turn, criticized Washington's increased military deployment to the Caribbean, which includes an aircraft carrier strike group, multiple warships, and several stealth aircraft.

Beyond Venezuela, Trump also condemned Mexico for its perceived failure to effectively stop drug trafficking gangs. "Would I launch airstrikes in Mexico to stop drugs? For me, that option is not a problem. Whatever we need to do to stop drugs, we do," the US President stated.

"I'm not saying I'm going to do that, but I would be proud if I did. Because that would save millions of lives," he added.

The Trump administration initiated an anti-drug operation off Venezuela and in the Western Pacific, declaring a "state of war" against gangs designated as terrorist organizations. Since the US operation began in September, at least 83 people have died in attacks targeting "drug boats."

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)