Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump confirmed he had dialed up Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for a frank chat, marking a surprising shift in the high-stakes standoff between Washington and Caracas. 🤝🇺🇸🇻🇪
The call – described by Trump as “neither good nor bad, just a phone call” – comes amid a US military buildup in the Caribbean. Officially aimed at curbing drug trafficking, Caracas insists the real goal is regime change. 🚨
Here’s the lowdown:
- Caribbean Buildup: Since September, the US has ramped up naval and air deployments near Venezuela, calling it an anti-narcotics mission. Venezuela sees it as pressure to topple Maduro’s government.
- “Cartel of the Suns” Label: Washington accuses Maduro of leading a shadowy drug network called the “Cartel of the Suns.” Venezuela denies it even exists, while the US has dangled a $50 million reward for info on Maduro’s arrest.
- Amnesty Talks: Media reports suggest the phone chat explored a possible meeting and amnesty if Maduro steps down. Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin even said the US offered Maduro a way out – to Russia or another country.
- Land Operations on the Horizon: Trump hinted that efforts to cut off drug routes “by land” are coming soon, raising concerns about a new phase of on-the-ground actions.
So what’s next? With tensions dialing up, keep an eye on whether diplomacy wins out or if we’ll see more US forces shifting gears in the region. For now, the vibe is locked on a phone line whose next ring could change the game. 🌍📱
Stay tuned as this story unfolds and we dive into what it means for global politics and regional stability. 🔍✌️
Reference(s):
Trump confirms call with Maduro, Caracas slams U.S. maneuvers
cgtn.com
