President Donald Trump on Thursday refuted a Wall Street Journal report claiming that the US had deployed B-1 bombers near Venezuela to increase military pressure. However, the former president warned that “we could see land action soon.”
“No, it’s false,” Trump told reporters when asked about the report. He added that Washington is “very unhappy with Venezuela.”
Trump Comments on War and Anti-Drug Operations
When asked about a possible declaration of war, Trump said: “Well, I don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we’re just going to kill people who are bringing drugs into our country. Okay? We’re going to kill them.”
This statement comes amid ongoing US military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking activities in the region.
What the Wall Street Journal Reported
Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that two Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers flew near Venezuela following an ‘attack demonstration’ conducted by other US warplanes. The bombers departed Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and operated in international airspace near Venezuelan territory.
US Anti-Drug Strikes Continue
This month, the US conducted its ninth strike against an alleged drug-smuggling vessel, resulting in three fatalities in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the strike followed another attack earlier in the week that killed two people.
Since last month, these anti-drug operations at sea have left at least 37 people dead.
Venezuela Responds to CIA Operations
Venezuela’s defense minister, Vladimir Padrino, said Thursday that any CIA operation against his country “will fail,”following Trump’s authorization of covert action.
“We know the CIA is present in Venezuela,” Padrino said. “They may deploy I don’t know how many CIA-affiliated units in covert operations… and any attempt will fail.”
Last week, Trump confirmed he had authorized covert CIA operations and was considering strikes against alleged drug cartels on land, following his campaign targeting drug-trafficking vessels at sea.
