Trump Briefed on Military Options for Venezuela Amid Urgent Tensions

UPDATE: Senior military officials have just presented President Trump with urgent military options for potential operations in Venezuela, according to multiple sources familiar with the White House discussions. The briefing, which occurred on Wednesday, included strategies for possible land strikes, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.

Among those in attendance were Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine. While no final decision has been made, the discussions signify a serious consideration of military action in the coming days, as the U.S. prepares for potential interventions. White House spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The U.S. intelligence community is reported to have played a key role in providing intelligence for these potential operations. Notably, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was absent from the meetings, as she was returning from an overseas trip, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio was attending a G7 summit in Canada.

In a significant military buildup, the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group has recently entered the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, which is crucial for operations in the Caribbean and South America. The Ford joins a robust flotilla, including destroyers, warplanes, and special operations assets already deployed in the region.

This military presence is not without action: over the past two months, the U.S. military has conducted strikes against at least 21 vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking from South America. These operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 80 alleged smugglers, while two individuals were repatriated to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia after surviving the strikes. One of the survivors in Ecuador was released due to a lack of evidence against him.

As the situation continues to develop, all eyes remain on the White House for further updates. The implications of these military options could be far-reaching, impacting not only the political landscape in Venezuela but also U.S. foreign relations and security policies in the region.

Stay tuned for the latest developments as this urgent situation unfolds.