Venezuela slams alleged US preparations for attack as tensions rise

The US is piling the pressure on Venezuela with a major military buildup in the Caribbean, the designation of an alleged drug cartel run by Mr Maduro as a terrorist group, and an ominous warning from Mr Trump that Venezuelan airspace is “closed”.

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Washington says the aim of the military deployment launched in September is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal.

“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly. It was a phone call,” Mr Trump told reporters on Nov 30 aboard Air Force One.

The New York Times reported on Nov 28 that Mr Trump and Mr Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while The Wall Street Journal said on Nov 29 that the conversation also included conditions of amnesty if Mr Maduro were to step down.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said on Nov 30 on CNN’s State of the Union talk show that the US has offered Mr Maduro the chance to leave his country for Russia or elsewhere.