Trump Briefed on Urgent Military Options for Venezuela Operations

UPDATE: Senior military officials have just presented President Donald Trump with urgent military options for potential operations in Venezuela. The discussions, which took place on Wednesday, included plans for possible strikes on land, according to multiple sources familiar with the White House meetings.

The briefing included senior officials such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine. Although no final decision has been reached, the talks highlight a significant escalation in U.S. military readiness concerning Venezuela. White House spokespeople have yet to comment on the matter, while a Pentagon spokesperson declined to provide additional details.

This development is particularly critical as U.S. intelligence has played a key role in shaping these military options. Notably, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was absent from the discussions due to her return from an overseas trip, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio was attending a G7 summit in Canada at the same time.

Adding to the urgency, the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group has recently entered the operational area of U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the Caribbean and South America. This strike group is now accompanied by a flotilla of destroyers, warplanes, and special operations assets already stationed in the region.

In recent months, the U.S. military has ramped up operations, conducting strikes against at least 21 vessels it claims were involved in drug trafficking from South America. These actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 80 alleged smugglers, with two survivors repatriated to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia. The individual released in Ecuador was set free after authorities found insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.

As tensions escalate in Venezuela, the U.S. military’s continued involvement raises questions about the potential for direct intervention. The evolving situation demands close attention as officials weigh their next steps and the implications of military action.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the situation closely. The ramifications of these military options could have far-reaching effects, not just for Venezuela but for the entire region.