• President Trump states he has "sort of made up [his] mind" about potential US military action in Venezuela
  • US forces including the aircraft carrier Ford and F-35 fighter jets have moved within striking distance
  • Recent drone strikes have reportedly resulted in at least 80 deaths, drawing international condemnation

President Trump has indicated he would not rule out deploying US ground troops to Venezuela, telling reporters Thursday that "we have to take care of the Venezuela issue" and pointedly noting he "does not rule out anything." The comments come as significant US military assets—including the aircraft carrier Ford and ten F-35 fighter jets—have moved within striking distance of the South American nation.

According to people familiar with the matter, the military build-up has transformed Puerto Rico into a forward operating base, with thousands of US troops and advanced equipment now operational in the territory. Reaper drones and other aircraft have been conducting frequent missions, with one recent operation resulting in drone strikes on boats that allegedly killed at least 80 people, though the administration has not provided evidence about those targeted.

"The president has sort of made up his mind on this," said one official who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive military planning. "The assets are in position if needed."

The escalation marks a significant shift in US policy toward Venezuela, which until recently focused on economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Military officials declined to comment on specific operational timelines when reached Thursday evening, but confirmed that "all options remain on the table."

In Puerto Rico, the substantial US military presence has divided local opinion. Some residents told reporters the increased deployment makes them feel more secure, while others expressed concern about antagonizing neighboring countries and potentially making the island a target in any broader conflict.

International reaction has been swift, with several foreign governments condemning the lack of transparency around recent military actions and warning of potential regional destabilization. Analysts note that direct US military intervention would represent the most significant engagement in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

When asked about the possibility of congressional authorization for military action, administration officials pointed to existing authorities, though some legislative aides expressed concern about the legal basis for potential escalation. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of F-35 fighter jets deployed. There are ten, not twelve.