Trump Opens Door to US Anti-Drug Strikes in Mexico and to Talks with Maduro

President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he would authorize a U.S. strike on Mexican soil against drug cartels if necessary. He also stated that he would speak with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, "at some point."

Amid ongoing U.S. bombings in the Caribbean and the Pacific targeting vessels that Washington says are transporting drugs, the president was questioned by reporters in the Oval Office about his offensive against drug trafficking.

When asked if he would approve a U.S. anti-drug operation in Mexico, the Republican responded: "Launch attacks in Mexico to stop (the trafficking of) drugs? It's fine by me. Whatever is necessary to stop the drugs."

"I didn't say I would do it, but I would be proud to do it. Because we're going to save millions of lives by doing it," he emphasized.

Trump has criticized Mexico for what he perceives as insufficient action against drug cartels.

The Republican has also drastically increased the number of U.S. forces in the Caribbean, arguing it is to confront drug traffickers based in several Latin American countries, including Venezuela and Mexico.

When questioned about the Venezuelan president, he affirmed: "At some point, I will speak with him," although "he has not been good for the United States," he added.

When asked if he ruled out sending U.S. troops to Venezuela, Trump responded: "No, I don't rule it out, I don't rule anything out."

Trump's statements come amid tensions over the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking.

Venezuela views this operation as a step toward overthrowing Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a "terrorist" organization dedicated to drug trafficking—an allegation the Venezuelan leader denies.

"We have to take care of Venezuela," Trump stated. "They have sent hundreds of thousands of people from their prisons to our country," he claimed.

The U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean and the Pacific includes a task force composed of an aircraft carrier, warships, and several stealth aircraft. The United States has carried out approximately twenty attacks on vessels in the region, resulting in at least 83 fatalities.