Trump Signals Possible New U.S. Strike on Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday the United States could launch another military strike on Venezuela after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro if remaining officials do not cooperate with Washington’s plans for the country.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump also suggested Colombia and Mexico could face U.S. military action if they fail to curb illicit drug flows. He said Cuba, a close Venezuelan ally, could collapse without U.S. intervention.

Maduro is being held in New York ahead of a court appearance on drug charges, an action the U.S. has described as a law enforcement operation. Venezuelan officials have condemned the move as a kidnapping and insist Maduro remains president.

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who has assumed the role of acting president with backing from Venezuela’s top court, struck a conciliatory tone on Monday, calling for peace and dialogue with the United States.

In a message posted on her Facebook page, Rodriguez said Venezuela sought respectful and balanced relations with Washington based on sovereignty and non-interference, and invited the U.S. government to cooperate on shared development within international law.

«Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war,» she wrote, adding that Venezuela has the right to peace, development and a sovereign future.

Venezuela’s defence minister said the U.S. operation killed soldiers and civilians, while Cuba said 32 of its citizens died in the raid. The seizure has sparked uncertainty across the oil-rich nation, though daily life continued cautiously in many areas.

The move has drawn criticism abroad, with questions raised about its legality. The U.N. Security Council is set to meet as Russia and China condemn the U.S. action.