US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States may carry out a second military strike on Venezuela. He warned that further action could follow if remaining officials do not cooperate with US demands.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his goal is to help “fix” Venezuela. He added that pressure would continue if his administration faces resistance. The remarks raised concerns about deeper US involvement in Latin America.
The former president also mentioned other countries in the region. He said Colombia and Mexico could face action if drug flows are not reduced. He used strong language while discussing drug trafficking into the United States.
Maduro is currently held in a New York detention center. He is awaiting a court appearance on drug-related charges. His capture has created uncertainty inside Venezuela and abroad.
Trump said his administration prefers working with remaining officials instead of pushing for immediate elections. He stated that the focus would be drug control and oil sector reforms. He did not signal support for installing a new government right away.
Senior Venezuelan officials rejected the US actions. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello called the arrests a kidnapping. He said Nicolas Maduro remains the country’s only president.
Images of Maduro in custody shocked many Venezuelans. The operation has been described as the most controversial US intervention in decades. Venezuela’s defense minister claimed soldiers and civilians were killed during the raid.
The Cuban government said 32 of its citizens also died. Cuba is a close ally of Venezuela and condemned the operation strongly.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has assumed interim leadership duties. Venezuela’s top court approved the move. Rodriguez stated that Maduro is still the lawful president.
She also rejected claims that she is willing to cooperate with Washington. Trump warned that consequences could follow if she does not comply. Venezuelan officials did not respond to those comments.
The US administration described Maduro’s arrest as a law enforcement action. Officials said the charges date back to 2020. Maduro has denied all accusations.
Oil remains a major issue in the dispute. Trump said US companies need full access to Venezuela’s reserves. Venezuelan leaders accused Washington of targeting national resources.
Inside Venezuela, public reaction has been mixed. Some protests were held in Caracas. Many citizens stayed cautious as daily life continued.
International reaction has been swift. Russia and China criticized the US move. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the issue.
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Questions remain about US intentions. Lawmakers in Washington have asked how long involvement may last. The situation continues to evolve, with global attention fixed on Venezuela.
