In a dramatic turn of events in Latin America, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that the United States is not ruling out the option of sending ground troops to Venezuela to ensure stability, following the military operation he announced that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. These statements outline the contours of the next phase in Caracas under direct US control.
Details of the US plan for managing the transitional phase
In response to journalists' questions about how the United States planned to deal with the power vacuum in Caracas, Trump explained that his country was fully prepared for all scenarios, saying, "We are not afraid to send ground troops if necessary." The US president revealed precise military details, indicating that highly prepared American forces were on the ground during the operation, reflecting the depth of intelligence and military planning that preceded the arrest.
In his press conference, Trump stressed that the main objective now is to "run the country" directly until a safe, sound, and rational political transition is secured, ensuring that the oil-rich nation does not slide into total chaos.
Background of the conflict and history of tension between Washington and Caracas
This event cannot be understood in isolation from the tense historical context between the two countries. For years, specifically from the era of the late President Hugo Chávez to Nicolás Maduro, US-Venezuelan relations have been marked by a diplomatic rupture and a crippling economic blockade. Washington has consistently accused the Maduro regime of corruption, human rights abuses, and involvement in drug trafficking, culminating in the US Department of Justice previously indicting Maduro on charges of "terrorism and drug trafficking" and offering a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest.
Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, is suffering from a severe economic crisis that has led to hyperinflation and acute shortages of food and medicine, prompting millions of Venezuelans to emigrate. The US administration believes that "managing the transition" is a necessary step to restructure the Venezuelan economy and put it back on track.
The threat of a second wave and its geopolitical dimensions
In language that carried a stern warning tone, Trump made it clear that US forces are not only prepared to maintain security, but are also ready to carry out a "second wave" of military strikes that would be "much larger" if necessary or if US forces encounter any resistance that hinders the political transition.
Observers believe this US move will trigger a geopolitical earthquake in the region, especially given the influence of other international powers like Russia and China in Venezuela. Washington's control over the transitional phase effectively means reshaping the energy and political landscape in South America, and ensuring Venezuela's return to the Western fold after decades of alignment with the Eastern bloc.
