Trump spoke to Maduro, Caracas fears military action

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, aboard the US presidential plane Air Force One, he refused to provide further details on the content of the conversation.

"I don't want to comment on that, but yes - I spoke to him. It was neither good nor bad, it was just a phone call," Trump told reporters.

According to the New York Times, the conversation discussed the possibility of an in-person meeting in the United States. At the same time, Trump continues his aggressive rhetoric towards Venezuela. On Saturday, he declared that the airspace over and around the country should be considered "closed in its entirety."

When asked by reporters if that meant attacks were imminent, he replied: "Don't infer anything from that."

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is considering other military options, including an attempt to overthrow Maduro's government in the name of fighting drugs. The United States has been conducting strikes on suspect ships and boats in the Caribbean for three months.

(reuters, sie)