(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump indicated that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s time in office may be limited as tensions rise alongside an increasing American military presence in the Caribbean, according to reports.

When asked by CBS News’ 60 Minutes host Norah O’Donnell whether Maduro’s presidency was nearing its end, Trump replied, "I would say yeah. I think so," while ruling out the likelihood of going to war against Venezuela.

However, Trump refrained from confirming whether any land strikes in Venezuela were being considered. "I wouldn't be inclined to say that I would do that," he stated, offering no additional details. He also denied recent media claims suggesting imminent US strikes on military sites in Venezuela, noting on Friday that no decisions had been made.

Several reports had claimed the Trump administration planned to target military installations as part of a campaign against what it describes as “narco-terrorism,” with attacks potentially occurring at any time. Washington has accused Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal organization in Venezuela, which was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group earlier this year.

Since early September, at least 14 strikes—primarily in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific—have reportedly killed over 64 individuals. Human rights organizations and legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of these operations, arguing that US strikes on alleged drug vessels may breach international law. UN human rights chief Volker Turk labeled the attacks “unacceptable” and called for an independent investigation into what his office described as extrajudicial killings.

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