US President Donald Trump wants to turn Venezuela into a 'colony' of the US, Venezuela's attorney general has told BBC's Newshour.

Tarek William Saab said on Sunday that calls for a regime change in Venezuela were a front to seize his country's natural resources, including reserves of gold, oil, and copper.

A close ally of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, Saab stated there was 'no doubt' the US was trying to overthrow the Venezuelan government, characterizing it as the latest in a long line of 'failed' endeavors.

The US is among many nations that do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader, following the 2024 election that was widely dismissed as neither free nor fair.

Trump has also raised the possibility of what he calls 'land action' in Venezuela, suggesting the US is 'looking at land now' after controlling the seas.

Reportedly, at least 43 lives have been lost in strikes against alleged drug vessels off South America, as part of a war on drug traffickers authorized by Trump's administration.

Concerns over the legality of these strikes and Trump's authority to order them have been voiced by members of Congress across the political spectrum.

Senator Lindsey Graham mentioned that future land strikes could be a 'real possibility' following a briefing on military operations after Trump's return from Asia.

Saab, when questioned about a potential land invasion, stated it 'shouldn't happen, but we are prepared'. He also mentioned that Venezuela is still ready to resume dialogue with the US, despite the ongoing confrontation over drug trafficking.

The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, amidst claims by analysts that this is an intimidation tactic against President Maduro.

Venezuela has condemned the arrival of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago as a 'military provocation', alleging that it is in collusion with US intelligence agencies.

Venezuelan officials also claimed to have apprehended a 'mercenary group' linked to US intelligence and indicated that a 'false flag attack' may be pending in the waters off their coast.

These developments come amidst a backdrop of escalating military actions and diplomatic tensions between the US and Venezuela.