Khaberni - The American Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth said that U.S. President Donald Trump "is not messing around" in his approach to the Venezuela dossier, and that all options are on the table in the midst of escalating tension with the government of Nicolas Maduro.
Hegseth stated in remarks carried by American media that Trump "is completely clear" in his stance on Venezuela, adding: "President Trump is not messing around... and nothing is off the table regarding Venezuela."
He emphasized that the American administration believes any escalation or move against Caracas will be based on "accurate information" and comprehensive intelligence assessments.
Hegseth stressed the intelligence capabilities of the United States, saying: "We know exactly who we are targeting, why we target them, and what they carry. The United States can track and chase drug terrorism cells better than any country in the world."
These statements reflect Washington's readiness to expand the scope of operations that it claims target drug trafficking networks linked, according to the American narrative, to elements in the Venezuelan regime.
Hegseth revealed that designating the government of Nicolas Maduro as a "terrorist organization" will take effect on November 24, a decision which, according to Hegseth, "opens a new set of political and military options" for the United States in dealing with Venezuela.
He confirmed that this designation provides the administration "additional tools" that allow for tightening sanctions and expanding the scope of legal and operational targeting against entities and individuals associated with the regime.
The Secretary of War reiterated Washington's stance rejecting Maduro's legitimacy, stating: "Maduro is not a legitimately elected leader of Venezuela… he lied to the previous administration about leaving his position."
He added that the Venezuelan president "is involved in drug trafficking and is indeed accused," pointing out that these charges provide the American administration with additional means to provide Trump with "new and decisive options" in dealing with Caracas.
