U.S. Troops Near Venezuela Face Leave Ban as Washington Weighs Strikes
The U.S. Southern Command has reportedly restricted troop leave through Christmas as tensions with Venezuela rise, The Telegraph. reports.
The news comes amid reports that the U.S. is considering strikes against Venezuela and coincides with Gen. Dan Caine’s visit to the Caribbean to inspect one of several Navy warships deployed to the region.
NewsNation journalist Kellie Meyer cited a source saying potential land strikes could occur “in the next 10 days to two weeks.”
The New York Times earlier reported that President Donald Trump has authorized CIA plans for covert operations inside Venezuela as tensions between Washington and Caracas rise. The report says such operations could pave the way for further action against the Venezuelan regime, though it is unclear what the options are or when they might occur.
Over the weekend, three international airlines suspended flights from Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned of a “potentially hazardous situation” for aircraft over the country. Days earlier, at least six U.S. aircraft, including a supersonic F/A-18E fighter, a B-52 bomber, and reconnaissance planes, were observed off Venezuela’s coast over several hours.
On Monday, the U.S. also designated the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly linked to President Nicolás Maduro, as a terrorist group for its role in importing illegal drugs into the U.S.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, accusing Washington of fabricating a “ridiculous lie” to justify an “illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela.”
