Venezuelan Regime Reportedly Believes U.S. Military Threats Are a Bluff And Maduro Can Only Be Ousted With Troops On The Ground

Most of the Venezuelan regime believes the U.S.'s military campaign off its coast is a bluff and authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro could only be ousted with troops on the ground, according to a new report.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Maduro doesn't think he would get lasting amnesty and only feels safe when surrounded by loyalists.

Moreover, analysts believe a ground invasion is unlikely, especially considering President Donald Trump said he doesn't think the U.S. will go to war with Venezuela. As a result, staying in Venezuela is the safest option for Maduro, Moises Naim, an academic and writer told the outlet.

Another report claimed that U.S. officials also believe it will be hard to convince Maduro to leave, but because he could be executed by Cuban handlers.

Axios detailed that the assessment took place as President Donald Trump plans to speak directly with Maduro even as the U.S. continues its military buildup off its coast.

Trump said on Tuesday that he "might talk" with Maduro. "If we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, that's fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, that's fine too."

Naim also told Spanish outlet El Pais that Maduro might claim he is eager to engage with Trump but he won't negotiate. All what dialogue sessions have done is help Maduro "buy time and stabilize his power, without fulfilling the agreements he signs."

Political scientist Carmen Beatriz Fernandez also told the outlet "Maduro is willing to engage in dialogue, but not to concede anything." "For Maduro, dialogue is a charade; a photo op. He is willing to talk, but not to negotiate," she added.