Donald Trump has not backed off from American strikes on alleged drug boats off the coast of Venezuela, and he is now reportedly considering land operations as well.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has talked tough, even going so far as to have Americans arrested, several of whom the United States has already stated are now considered unlawfully detained.
Now, however, Maduro seems to be softening his stance, indicating a willingness to discuss making a deal with Trump.
Even though Trump has come under attack by members of Congress on both sides of the aisle over recent drug boat strikes, the president is not backing off.
As of this report, there have been roughly three dozen boats hit by these strikes, resulting in at least 115 deaths.
The latest attack took place on Wednesday, with multiple boats reportedly sunk and eight deaths reported.
Southern Command stated that it had intelligence showing a narcotics transfer “between the three vessels prior to the strikes."
U.S. nationals have now become a target in this conflict, with the New York Times reporting the capture of several Americans by Venezuelan authorities.
One of them was identified as James Luckey-Lange, 28. He is apparently roaming the world in the wake of a family tragedy, with a documentary actually shot about his journey.
Eva Aridjis Fuentes, the filmmaker responsible for the film, stated, “He has been traveling around, figuring out what to do with his life. He has had so much loss.”
Venezuela had freed 17 Americans in prior negotiations, but talks were suspended after Trump started to conduct these strikes against the alleged drug boats.
In addition to hitting these alleged drug boats, Trump has since boxed in Venezuela with a Naval blockade, also reportedly moving special forces operators into the area.
Maduro, in a pre-taped interview, stated, "The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.”
He continued, "If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it."
It is great news that Maduro finally realizes the walls are closing in on him, but I am not sure Trump will make any deal that would involve the Venezuelan leader remaining in power. Trump wants him gone, and I believe this squeeze will continue until Maduro either resigns or is forcibly removed.
