U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset told CBS in an interview, “From now on, the United States will decide what happens in Venezuela.” He later clarified, however, that “what happens next is in the hands of the Venezuelan people.”
In response to a question about the possibility of sending troops to Venezuela, Hegset said the United States remains “on standby” so that President Donald Trump has “options” at his disposal.
He added that this operation differs from America’s experience in Iraq, which came with a “heavy financial and human cost,” because “Trump is changing the rules of the game.”
Hegset further stated that Trump believes a “strategic action” can ensure U.S. access to “greater wealth and resources” while giving a country “freedom” without costing American lives.
Late Friday night (January 1), the United States launched strikes on targets in Venezuela, detaining President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him to the U.S.
The rapid development has sparked widespread reactions and speculation about the country’s political and security future. Some analysts believe any subsequent actions, whether political or security-related, could have consequences beyond Venezuela’s borders, affecting regional and global dynamics.
