US Denies Imminent Venezuela Strikes as Rubio Dismisses Report

The United States has denied reports of planned military strikes inside Venezuela. Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have called the claims false. The news originated from a Miami Herald report on October 31.

The report suggested the Trump administration was preparing imminent attacks on Venezuelan military installations. It claimed the action was part of a campaign against the Soles drug cartel.

Official Denials Counter Alarmist Claims

Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly addressed the Miami Herald story on social media platform X. He stated that the publication’s sources had tricked them into writing a fake story. This strong denial aimed to quell rising international concerns.

Other administration figures quickly echoed this position. According to Reuters, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly emphasized that unnamed sources lack authority. She clarified that any major policy announcements would come directly from President Trump.

President Trump himself denied the reports. He was questioned about the alleged strikes while aboard Air Force One. His denial adds significant weight to the official rebuttals.

What the Original Report Alleged

The initial Miami Herald report cited sources with knowledge of the situation. It claimed the US planned to strike Venezuelan targets by air within days or even hours. The Wall Street Journal also published a corroborating article.

The alleged goal was to destroy installations used by the Soles drug trafficking group. The US government alleges this organization is headed by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. One source ominously suggested Maduro’s time was running out.

This comes as the White House has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million. The heightened bounty underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The situation remains tense but stable following the high-level denials. The US government’s unified response has temporarily calmed fears of immediate military escalation. Further developments on Venezuela policy are expected to be communicated through official channels only.

Thought you’d like to know

What did the original report claim?

The Miami Herald reported the US was planning imminent air strikes on Venezuelan military sites. It cited anonymous sources claiming the action was part of an anti-drug cartel campaign. The Wall Street Journal published a similar story.

How did Marco Rubio respond?

Secretary of State Rubio called the story fake on social media. He stated the newspaper’s sources had tricked them. His denial was a key part of the administration’s response.

Has President Trump commented?

Yes, President Trump denied the reports when asked aboard Air Force One. He joined other officials in dismissing the claims. His comment reinforced the official position.

What is the current US reward for Nicolás Maduro?

The White House has doubled the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million. This is part of the ongoing campaign against his alleged drug trafficking activities. The reward for his top lieutenants is $25 million.

Why was the US allegedly targeting Venezuela?

The reports claimed the action was against the Soles drug cartel. The US government alleges President Maduro heads this trafficking group. The stated goal was to destroy its military infrastructure.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Miami Herald, Wall Street Journal