The U.S. is reportedly drawing up options to strike cartel targets inside Venezuela despite efforts by the country's authoritarian President, Nicolas Maduro, to appease Donald Trump.
NBC News detailed that a strike could take place in a matter of weeks, potentially escalating the campaign that has seen a large deployment of ships and troops in the Caribbean and already struck three vessels the administration claimed were carrying drugs that would ultimately make their way to the U.S.
The strikes could target cartel operatives and leaders, as well as labs. The White House referred to a previous comment by Trump when asked for comment: "We'll see what happens. Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. It's not acceptable."
The outlet added that Trump has not approved anything yet, and that the two countries are having conversations through Middle Eastern intermediaries. On Friday, Bloomberg reported that Maduro has offered Trump help to hunt down gang leaders.
Concretely, Maduro said he could help locate leaders of Tren de Aragua, a gang Trump has repeatedly mentioned as a source of crime in the U.S. He has also accused Maduro of deliberately sending gang members to wreak havoc in the country.
"I respectfully invite you, President, to promote peace through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding throughout the hemisphere," Maduro said in a passage of a letter obtained by the outlet. It was given to special envoy Richard Grenell, who has advocated for dialogue with the regime.
In this context, Maduro is considering declaring a state of emergency. He said he decision would help protect the country's sovereignty and stability, noting that his goal is "that the entire nation, every citizen, has the support and protection of all forces of Venezuelan society to respond to any threat or attack against our country."
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