The Trump administration is gearing up for a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the near future, according to four US officials who spoke with Reuters. The exact timing and extent of these upcoming operations remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether President Donald Trump has given his final approval. Recent reports have suggested an impending action as the US military has dispatched troops to the Caribbean amid escalating tensions with Venezuela.
Sources reveal that covert operations are likely to be the initial step in the new strategy against President Nicolas Maduro. All four officials quoted in the article requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the impending US actions. The Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, while the CIA declined to provide any comments on the matter.
A senior administration official stated on Saturday that there are no limitations when it comes to dealing with Venezuela. The official emphasized President Trump’s readiness to utilize all available American resources to combat drug trafficking and hold accountable those responsible for it.
The US government has been exploring various options to address what it perceives as Maduro’s involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs resulting in American fatalities. Maduro has consistently denied any ties to illicit drug activities. Reports indicate that among the options being considered is the potential overthrow of the Venezuelan leader.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has accused Trump of attempting to remove him from office and has vowed that both Venezuelan citizens and the military will resist any such efforts. The Venezuelan president, who will turn 63 on Sunday, made a public appearance at Caracas’ main theater for the premiere of a television series based on his life.
The US has been amassing military assets in the Caribbean for months and has authorized covert CIA activities within Venezuela. In response to a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration regarding potential risks when flying over Venezuela, three international airlines canceled their flights departing from the country on Saturday.
On Monday, the United States is set to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization due to its alleged involvement in drug trafficking to the US. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading this cartel, a claim he has denied.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the terrorist designation opens up new possibilities for the United States. Trump has mentioned that the designation could facilitate the targeting of Maduro’s assets and infrastructure in Venezuela, while also expressing a willingness to explore diplomatic solutions.
There have been discussions between Caracas and Washington, although the impact of these conversations on the timing or scale of US operations remains uncertain. The presence of the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, along with other warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 aircraft in the Caribbean underscores the heightened tensions in the region.
US forces have primarily focused on anti-narcotics missions, despite the substantial military presence exceeding the requirements for such operations. Human rights organizations have criticized the strikes on alleged drug boats as unlawful killings of civilians, prompting concerns from some US allies about potential violations of international law.
In an effort to apprehend Maduro, the US government has doubled the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million. Venezuela’s military is significantly smaller and faces challenges such as inadequate training, low wages, and deteriorating equipment. Maduro’s administration has reportedly considered a guerrilla-style response in the event of a US invasion, which it has referred to as “prolonged resistance.” This strategy would involve small military units carrying out acts of sabotage and guerrilla tactics at numerous locations.