Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab told BBC's Newshour that US President Donald Trump aims to establish Venezuela as a "colony" of the United States. Saab asserted that calls for regime change in Venezuela serve as a pretext to acquire the country's natural resources, including gold, oil, and copper. Saab, an ally of President Nicolás Maduro, stated the US is attempting to overthrow the Venezuelan government, characterizing these efforts as a series of "failed" operations. The United States and several other nations do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader, citing concerns over the 2024 election, which was widely dismissed as neither free nor fair.
US Military Actions and Statements
President Trump has discussed the possibility of "land action" in Venezuela, stating last week that the US is "looking at land now" following operations at sea. At least 43 fatalities have occurred in strikes on alleged drug vessels off the coast of South America. These operations, initiated by the Trump administration in early September, are characterized as efforts to combat drug trafficking. Members of the US Congress from both parties have expressed concerns regarding the legality of these strikes and the President's authority.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham reported on Sunday that future land strikes are a "real possibility," and that President Trump intends to brief Congress members on future military operations after his return from Asia. When asked about a potential land invasion, Saab stated Venezuela is "prepared," while also indicating a readiness to resume dialogue with the US, despite what he termed an "illegitimate" fight against drug trafficking.
Over the last two months, the US has deployed warships, fighter jets, marines, spy planes, bombers, and drones to the Caribbean. The US has characterized this deployment as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking and "narco-terrorists." Venezuelan President Maduro has accused the US of "fabricating war," citing the ordered deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, described as the world's largest warship, to the Caribbean; this vessel has not yet arrived.
Regional Deployments and Venezuelan Response
On Sunday, the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, located off Venezuela's coast. The vessel is scheduled to remain until Thursday for joint training and exercises, as part of what is described as the US's largest military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in decades.
The Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning the event as "a military provocation by Trinidad and Tobago in coordination with the CIA." Venezuela also reported the capture of a "mercenary group with direct information from the US intelligence agency" and alleged that a "false flag attack is underway" in the waters between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. A false flag operation is defined as a political or military action carried out with the intention of blaming an opponent. President Maduro has previously made accusations of false flag attacks, including a purported plan in early October to place explosives in the US embassy in Caracas.