US, Venezuela negotiate troop presence deal: Report - Anadolu Ajansı

The Trump administration is negotiating a military agreement with Venezuela that could pave the way for a potential long-term US troop presence in the country, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

The State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is conducting talks with Venezuelan officials on a status of forces agreement (SOFA), US officials told the newspaper on condition of anonymity.

The agreement would establish a "legal framework" for US forces to conduct mutually agreed activities, including ship visits, training, military exercises and humanitarian assistance, according to the report.

Details of a potential US military presence, including troop numbers and locations, would be determined through future agreements, the report said.

However, a senior State Department official was quoted as saying that discussions about establishing US military bases in Venezuela were "way, way down the road," adding that there were no current talks on the issue.

The US carried out a military operation in Venezuela on Jan. 3, seizing President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Trump said his administration would "run" Venezuela and its oil assets during a transition period.

Then-Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president on Jan. 5, taking the oath before the National Assembly two days after the capture.