(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s tenure might soon come to an end, as tensions heighten alongside a noticeable buildup of American military forces in the Caribbean region.

In an interview with CBS News’ program 60 Minutes, aired on Sunday, Trump was questioned by host Norah O’Donnell about whether Maduro’s days as president were “numbered.”

"I would say yeah. I think so," he replied, while dismissing the idea of engaging in a war with Venezuela.

Nonetheless, Trump refrained from confirming or denying the possibility of future ground strikes within Venezuelan territory.

"I wouldn't be inclined to say that I would do that," he stated, offering no additional clarification.
Earlier, on Friday, Trump also dismissed circulating news stories suggesting that attacks on Venezuelan military bases were imminent, asserting to reporters that no decision had been finalized.

Several U.S. media organizations had claimed that the Trump administration had resolved to launch assaults on Venezuela’s military sites as part of what it described as a campaign against “narco-terrorism,” suggesting that such actions could occur at any time.

Officials in Washington have accused Maduro of heading the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal network operating within Venezuela. In July, the U.S. government officially designated the group as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity.

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