Trump Denies Preparing For Attack On Venezuela

US/ILUSTRASI military/PHOTO via Instagram @usairforce

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump has denied rumors that he is considering an attack on Venezuela. This statement appears to contradict his own statements last week and amid increased expectations that Washington will soon expand operations related to drug trafficking.

The United States has been building large military presences in the Caribbean in recent months, with fighter jets, warships, and thousands of troops.

The military presence will increase significantly in the coming weeks with the arrival of aircraft carrier duty group Gerald Ford.

Reported by Reuters on Friday, when asked by reporters at Air Force One about reports he was considering the attack in Venezuela was correct, Trump insisted: "No."

It is not yet clear whether Trump is putting aside future attacks in Venezuela or just saying no final decision has yet been made.

In recent weeks, Trump has publicly said his government will carry out attacks on drug-related targets in Venezuela.

"The land will be the next target," Trump told reporters last week.

US military operations in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific have targeted at least 14 vessels, which Washington says are involved in the illegal drug trade, killing 61 people.

Trump has previously confirmed he has allowed the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

Although the exact time of the ground attack is unclear, officials close to Trump have hinted it will happen soon.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican lawmaker, previously said Trump had told the government plans to brief lawmakers on military operations against Venezuela and Colombia upon his return from his visit to Asia.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military had provided various options, including attacks on military facilities in Venezuela, such as the runway.