Tensions between the United States and Venezuela reached a critical high on Wednesday after President Trump was presented with updated military options for potential operations in Venezuela, including the controversial prospect of strikes on land.
The high-level White House meetings coincided with Venezuela’s order to mobilize 200,000 soldiers in preparation for war.
Senior military officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, briefed the President on potential strategies for the coming days, according to multiple sources.
While the White House and Pentagon have declined to comment, sources confirmed that no final decision on military action has been made.
Escalation of Military Options
The meeting highlights the growing possibility of direct U.S. military intervention following weeks of heightened naval presence and lethal anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. The U.S. intelligence community assisted in preparing the information for the potential operations.
Key administration figures were absent from the discussions: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was returning from an overseas trip, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Canada for a G7 summit of foreign ministers.
The military discussions took place after the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, a massive flotilla including destroyers, warplanes, and special operations assets, entered U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility—the primary combatant unit for operations in the Caribbean and South America.
Venezuela Vows Defense
In response to the U.S. military presence, Venezuela’s Defense Minister issued a stark warning, ordering the country’s 200,000 soldiers to prepare for conflict.
“If they come to touch Venezuela there, you will see a people determined to defend this homeland to the death,” the minister declared, emphasizing the nation’s resolve to resist any foreign intervention.
The military posturing is part of a broader, aggressive offensive by the Trump administration against alleged narcotics traffickers in the region.
Over the last two months, the U.S. military has conducted strikes against at least 21 vessels it alleges were ferrying drugs from South America to the U.S. At least 80 alleged smugglers have been killed in these operations. The campaign has drawn international scrutiny and diplomatic friction, particularly after one man repatriated to Ecuador was subsequently freed because authorities found no evidence he had committed a crime. This situation has led to reports that key allies like the U.K. and Colombia are limiting intelligence sharing with the U.S.
Speaking at a defense summit, Secretary Hegseth delivered a powerful warning about the lethality of the U.S. campaign.
“My advice to foreign terrorist organizations is do not get in a boat,” Hegseth said. “If you’re trafficking drugs to poison the American people and we know you’re from a designated terrorist organization, you’re a foreign terrorist or trafficker — we will find you and we will kill you.”
RELATED: Venezuela Mobilizes 200,000 Troops As U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Arrives In Caribbean
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