US president Trump expressed willingness to speak with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro amidst a US military buildup in the Caribbean. He also indicated openness to US strikes within Mexico to combat drug trafficking, a move he believes would save lives. Maduro, in turn, stated readiness for direct talks with any US representative interested in engaging with Venezuela. Trump, Maduro (File photos) US president Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said he is willing to speak to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as a US military build-up in the region has raised tensions. He also said he would be “ok” with US strikes inside Mexico. Trump has sharply increased the number of US forces in the Caribbean to target what he calls drug traffickers operating from countries such as Venezuela and Mexico. Speaking to reporters in the Oval office, Trump said, “At a certain period of time, I’ll be talking to him,” when asked if he would speak to Maduro. Asked if he would approve US strikes in Mexico, Trump said, “It’s ok with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs.” He added that he had not said he would do it, but “I’d be proud to do it,” claiming it would save lives.Also read: MAGA mutiny forces Trump turnaround on Epstein files Later, on his weekly TV show, Maduro said he was ready to talk “face to face” with anyone in the United States “who wants to talk to Venezuela.” Venezuela has accused the United States of trying to push for regime change with its military build-up, which includes an aircraft carrier group, warships, and stealth jets. Washington, meanwhile, accuses Maduro of running a “terrorist” drug cartel, a charge he rejects. Since September, US forces have carried out air strikes on boats in international waters, killing at least 83 people accused of transporting drugs, based on an AFP count of publicly released figuresUS marines are conducting military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago. This is the second round of such drills in less than a month. The small island nation lies only about 10 kilometres from Venezuela’s coast.But Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, said the country would not allow its territory to be used for any attack on Venezuela and that the United States had never asked for such access.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov Hold Key Talks in Moscow Ahead of Putin’s India Visit ‘In 3 Weeks’India Doubles Down On Russian Oil Imports Despite U.S. Sanctions HeatBangladesh Seeks Hasina’s Return As India Notes ICT Tribunal Verdict, Calls For Peace And Stability’This Generation Can Bring Viksit Bharat Before 2047’: Army Chief Dwivedi’s Message To Gen ZHasina Verdict Sparks Outrage as Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Evidence and Awami League Cries Black DayPak Army Chief Asim Munir Vows ‘Strong Response’, Army Chief Dwivedi Warns Op Sindoor Was A TrailerPM Modi Condoles Families as 45 Indians Feared Dead in Saudi Bus CrashOusted Bangladesh PM Hasina Calls ICT’s Death Sentence ‘Rigged’, Says It Denied Fair Trial RightsFrench Consulate Staffer Molested In Bandra As Mumbai Police Launch Rapid Hunt To Track The SuspectAfter 5th August 2019…’ Army Chief Counters Mehbooba’s Charge Against Centre Over J&K Situation123Photostories10 quotes to say to your kids daily5 lakeside hotels to stay at during winters in and around NainitalPrajakta Koli, Kusha Kapila to Bassi: How these YouTubers turned online fame into full-fledged Bollywood careers7 spiritual places to visit with your kids5 most swiftly moving snakes in the worldNight owls vs early birds: Who performs better according to science8 simple and effective stretches to help relieve lower back painAllen Solly to Peter England: Popular fashion brands you didn’t know were actually IndianSecond innings as Bollywood favourites return and shine all over againKarisma Kapoor’s grace, talent and magnetic screen presence continue to define timeless Bollywood beauty for every generation123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingDak Prescott FianceShaquille O’NealCeeDee LambDenver Nuggets vs chicago bullsKike HernndezDetroit Tigers WifeAuston MatthewsGiannis AntetokounmpoZion WilliamsonWho is Ella Hakkinen
US president Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said he is willing to speak to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, even as a US military build-up in the region has raised tensions. He also said he would be “ok” with US strikes inside Mexico. Trump has sharply increased the number of US forces in the Caribbean to target what he calls drug traffickers operating from countries such as Venezuela and Mexico. Speaking to reporters in the Oval office, Trump said, “At a certain period of time, I’ll be talking to him,” when asked if he would speak to Maduro. Asked if he would approve US strikes in Mexico, Trump said, “It’s ok with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs.” He added that he had not said he would do it, but “I’d be proud to do it,” claiming it would save lives.Also read: MAGA mutiny forces Trump turnaround on Epstein files Later, on his weekly TV show, Maduro said he was ready to talk “face to face” with anyone in the United States “who wants to talk to Venezuela.” Venezuela has accused the United States of trying to push for regime change with its military build-up, which includes an aircraft carrier group, warships, and stealth jets. Washington, meanwhile, accuses Maduro of running a “terrorist” drug cartel, a charge he rejects. Since September, US forces have carried out air strikes on boats in international waters, killing at least 83 people accused of transporting drugs, based on an AFP count of publicly released figuresUS marines are conducting military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago. This is the second round of such drills in less than a month. The small island nation lies only about 10 kilometres from Venezuela’s coast.But Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, said the country would not allow its territory to be used for any attack on Venezuela and that the United States had never asked for such access.
