Brazil’s Lula Warns of US Military Buildup Near Venezuela
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has raised concerns about the United States military presence near Venezuela, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to avoid conflict. The US has deployed warships and an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean, leading to alleged deaths in attacks on suspected drug trafficking vessels. Lula called for dialogue with President Trump before any escalation.
The Pentagon has deployed multiple warships and the largest US aircraft carrier in the Caribbean near the South American nation, and has killed scores of people in controversial attacks on boats it claimed were linked to alleged Venezuelan-led drug trafficking operations. Caracas has denied the accusations.
Lula told reporters at the G20 Summit in South Africa on Sunday, according to Globo News, that he is ‘very concerned’ about the military deployment. He expressed a desire to speak with President Trump about the matter, stressing the importance of finding a solution before conflict begins.
Washington is poised to begin operations against Venezuela in the coming days, Reuters reported, citing anonymous US officials. Clandestine operations would likely kick off the effort, and the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro is under consideration, the agency cited its sources as saying.
Maduro has consistently denied US allegations of drug-trafficking, arguing that Washington was using the claims as a pretext for a regime-change and resource-grab operation.
Earlier this month, the Venezuelan military was placed on high alert in response to the US buildup, which reportedly involves about 15,000 personnel. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has condemned the US deployment in the Caribbean, calling it a threat to regional sovereignty.
‘We strongly reject maneuvers, exercises, and deployments in our immediate area of interest,’ stated the top general in a speech on Saturday. ‘Enough of the threats, lies, slander, and imposition of power, all for the sake of preserving regional hegemonies,’ he said.