Pakistan, Nov. 1 -- US President Donald Trump on Saturday denied any plans for military strikes on Venezuela. He spoke aboard Air Force One. Trump said media reports suggesting strikes were false. His comments followed weeks of speculation about potential action against the South American nation.

The denial contrasts with earlier statements. Trump had previously hinted that he might target alleged drug traffickers without declaring war. Meanwhile, the US deployed thousands of troops, fighter jets, and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford near Venezuela's coast. The buildup caused regional concern.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also dismissed reports as fake. He criticized a Miami Herald story claiming US forces were ready to atta...