Trump spoke with Maduro last week, according to the New York Times.

WashingtonDonald Trump spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last week, according to reports. New York Times, and discussed a possible bilateral meeting. The conversation, which took place via telephone, occurred a few days before the State Department declared the Cartel of the Suns a terrorist group and designated Maduro as its leader. In fact, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present on the phone call with the Venezuelan leader. Despite the contact between the two countries, Washington's psychological warfare against Maduro has not ceased, and a possible military action against Venezuela seems increasingly likely.

In a Thanksgiving Day call with military personnel, the US president warned that the armed forces would "begin very soon" to "stop Venezuelan drug traffickers" on the ground, after the military actions by sea have been a success, he emphasized. "You've probably noticed that they no longer want to deliver [the drugs] by sea, and we'll start stopping them on the ground. Besides, it's easier on the ground, but this will start very soon," Trump said.

As usual, the president did not give details about this ground intervention, which would further escalate tensions between the two countries. Although the president speaks of stopping them "on land," it is unlikely that US soldiers will set foot on Venezuelan soil—it would be damaging to the promise of disengaging from international conflicts—although similar actions seen in the past, such as the bombing of Iran, could be used.

Trump justified the military actions with the argument that the alleged drug traffickers "are sending their poison to the United States, where it kills thousands of people every year." "In recent weeks you have been working to stop the drug traffickers from Venezuela, of which there are many, although not many are coming by sea anymore," he said, praising attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and the Pacific, where U.S. forces have killed more than 80. These attacks have been carried out without congressional authorization, drawing criticism from legal experts and Democrats, who accuse the government of intentionally targeting civilians who may be suspected of crimes but are not combatants. According to Trump, the attacks have stopped "85% of the flow of drugs by sea." No data or causal correlation has yet been presented to support these claims.

As previously revealed by New York TimesIn October, Maduro had offered the US a significant stake in his country's oil fields, as well as opportunities for American companies, in an effort to ease tensions. Even so, Maduro wanted to remain in power, and Washington cut off communications.

This is the first time the president has spoken openly about a possible intervention in Venezuelan territory after days of rumors.with information leaked to US media outlets claiming that Washington plans to begin the second phase of the "coming days".and the military operation Southern Spear.

Trump approved allowing the CIA to conduct covert operationswhich could be aimed at preparing the battlefield for future actions. The US deployed the aircraft carrier to the Caribbean Sea in mid-November.Gerald R. FordThe largest and ninth of the US Navy. Also this week, US B-52H bomber aircraft conducted demonstrations in the Caribbean.

Maduro's response

The Maduro government has also responded by showcasing the strength of the Venezuelan air force and calling for the defense of the territory. The Chavista leader participated remotely in an event with top military commanders at the Maracay air base in the north of the country, coinciding with the 105th anniversary of the creation of the Venezuelan air force. There, troops conducted an exercise in intercepting an aircraft and invading troops.

"I ask you to always remain undisturbed in your serenity, alert, ready and willing to defend our rights as a nation, as a free and sovereign homeland. I know you will never fail Venezuela; I know Venezuela counts on you," said Maduro. He also asserted his confidence that Venezuela will prevail should the country declare itself a "republic in arms."