U.S. Considers Assassination of Maduro Amid Drug War Claims
According to a report by Politico, U.S. officials are reportedly considering the assassination of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as part of an alleged campaign against drug cartels. The claims suggest that Trump’s administration may use the war on drugs as a pretext to remove Maduro from power. The U.S. has conducted military strikes against drug-related targets in Venezuela and accused Maduro of ties to narcotics networks, which he denies.
Trump, despite not publicly discussing regime change in Venezuela, has expressed a desire to force Maduro out of power and may use the war on drugs as a justification. The New York Times reported that Venezuela had offered sweeping economic concessions to the U.S., including potential agreements to allow American companies to take a stake in its oil sector, during secret talks. However, these discussions were reportedly halted due to Trump’s frustration over Maduro’s refusal to step down voluntarily.
The U.S. has conducted military strikes against drug-related targets in Venezuela and accused Maduro of ties to narcotics networks, which he denies. Caracas has accused Washington of planning to remove Maduro, while U.S. officials have denied those accusations.
One source told Politico that Trump has “many plans” available to act against Venezuela, including carrying out strikes on alleged cartel-related targets inside the country. However, the U.S. president has not yet given an order to target Maduro directly, he stressed.
The Trump administration official suggested that the U’…