The White House has ordered United States military forces to focus almost exclusively on keeping Venezuela in a state of “quarantine”, according to Reuters news agency this Wednesday (24), based on a statement from an American government official.
According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the US government’s guidance is to prioritize economic pressure, through the rigorous application of sanctions, over immediate military action. “While military options still exist, the focus is first to use economic pressure, through the application of sanctions, to achieve the outcome the White House seeks,” the official told Reuters.
The directive reduces, at least in the short term, the possibility of a United States ground offensive against Venezuela — a hypothesis repeatedly mentioned by President Donald Trump in recent public statements.
According to the authority heard by the agency, the order is for American forces to focus almost exclusively “on quarantining Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months.” The American government’s expectation is that the measures will increase pressure on the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
“Efforts so far have put tremendous pressure on Maduro. It is believed that by the end of January, Venezuela will face economic calamity unless it agrees to make significant concessions to the US,” the official said.
On Monday (22), during an event at the White House, Trump stated that the “smartest” action that Maduro could take would be to resign from his position, adding that there will be consequences if the Venezuelan leader tries to “play tough”.
On Tuesday (23), the United States informed the UN Security Council that it will impose and enforce sanctions against Venezuela and Maduro “to the maximum extent permitted”.
Also according to Reuters, the United States Coast Guard is awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before attempting to approach and seize a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, as part of the country’s economic siege strategy.
