The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro's days "are numbered," although he ruled out an impending war against the Chavista regime.
The statements were made during an interview with the American media outlet CBS, broadcast on Sunday, in a context of increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.
When asked by the CBS journalist whether Maduro's days as Venezuela's leader were numbered, Trump replied bluntly: "I'd say yes. I think so."
The American president was also questioned about a possible war with Venezuela, to which he replied cautiously: "I doubt it. I don't think so."
This way, the Republican hinted that the United States will maintain political, diplomatic, and military pressure on the Chavista regime, but without committing to direct intervention.
Trump marca una posición tajante ante el régimen venezolano durante una entrevista con CBS News
Maduro, accused of drug trafficking
Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro was charged by the U.S. Justice Department with drug trafficking and international terrorism, charges that include the use of drug routes as a source of funding for the Chavista apparatus.
el narcodictador venezolano, Nicolás Maduro
In response, Maduro claimed that Washington uses drug trafficking accusations as a "pretext to impose regime change," clearly defending his dictatorship.
Military maneuvers in Puerto Rico
Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed that the United States Marine Corps conducted training operations on Puerto Rican territory, as part of the increased military deployment in the Caribbean.
According to a statement from Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) published on the social network X, the Twenty-Second Marine Expeditionary Unit carried out amphibious maneuvers and landing exercises with support from UH-1Y transport helicopters and Apache attack helicopters.
Entrenamientos militares estadounidenses en territorio puertorriqueño
"U.S. military forces are deployed in the Caribbean in support of Southern Command's mission, Department of Defense-led operations, and the President of the United States' priorities to dismantle illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland," the statement said.
The message was accompanied by a video showing an LCAC hovercraft landing troops and Polaris MRZR vehicles, designed for hostile terrain, while Marine squads advance in infiltration operations.
More pressure on the Chavista regime
The military movements in the Caribbean and Trump's statements confirm a new phase of pressure on Maduro's regime, accused of systematic human rights violations, corruption, and links to drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the dictator tries to hold on with support from Cuba, Russia, and Iran. Washington strengthens its presence in the region and keeps its focus on dismantling the criminal networks that sustain Chavismo.
