Fresh U.S. efforts to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers will take place on land "very soon," President Trump said Thursday.
The big picture: There's been a buildup of U.S. military activity in the Caribbean as Trump outlined next steps in his push toward toppling Venezuela's Maduro regime, as American forces strike alleged drug boats.
- Trump has indicated he wouldn't rule out diplomatic pressure. Axios' Marc Caputo reports that Trump told his advisers that he planned to speak with Nicolás Maduro, even as the U.S. designated the Venezuelan leader on Monday as the head of a terrorist organization.
What he's saying: "In recent weeks, you've been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there aren't too many coming in by sea anymore," Trump said in a Thanksgiving call to U.S. service members.
- "You probably noticed that people aren't wanting to be delivering by sea, and we'll be starting to stop them by land also," he added. "The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon."
- Representatives for the White House, Pentagon and State Department did not immediately respond to Axios' Thursday evening requests for comment.
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Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.
