Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, has asserted that there is “no doubt” U.S. President Donald Trump is orchestrating efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government. In an interview with the BBC, Saab, a staunch ally of President Nicolás Maduro, accused Trump of seeking to transform Venezuela into a “colony” of the United States. This accusation follows Trump’s allegations that Maduro leads a drug-trafficking organization, a claim Maduro vehemently denies. Venezuelan officials fear that the recent U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean is aimed at ousting Maduro, a long-standing critic of Trump. The U.S. has already conducted strikes on alleged drug boats off South America, resulting in at least 43 fatalities, with Trump hinting at potential land operations. Saab, while acknowledging the possibility of a land invasion, stated that Venezuela is prepared and remains open to dialogue with the U.S., despite condemning its “illegitimate” anti-drug trafficking efforts. The U.S. and several other nations do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, citing the widely criticized 2024 election as neither free nor fair. Opposition reports indicated a landslide victory for their candidate. Saab further accused the U.S. of aiming to seize Venezuela’s vast natural resources, including gold, oil, and copper. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers from both parties have questioned the legality of Trump’s strikes and his authority to order them. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that land strikes are a “real possibility” and that Trump plans to brief Congress on future military operations. Over the past two months, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, fighter jets, marines, and drones under the guise of combating drug trafficking and “narco-terrorists.” Analysts interpret this as part of a broader campaign to pressure Maduro’s removal. Maduro has accused the U.S. of “fabricating war,” particularly after the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, to the region. The recent arrival of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago has further escalated tensions, with Venezuela condemning it as a “military provocation” coordinated with the CIA. Venezuela also claims to have captured a mercenary group linked to U.S. intelligence and alleges a “false flag attack” is being planned in the waters between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Maduro has previously accused the U.S. of similar covert operations, including a plot to plant explosives in the U.S. embassy in Caracas earlier this month.
‘No doubt’ Trump wants to topple our government, Venezuelan official tells BBC
