The United States is reportedly gearing up to increase pressure on Venezuela through covert operations, sources told Reuters, as Washington considers a range of measures that could include efforts to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro. Four U.S. officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, indicated that these steps could mark the first phase of a broader campaign, though the exact timing and scale remain uncertain. The Trump administration has justified its actions by citing Maduro’s alleged role in drug trafficking, a claim the Venezuelan leader denies, while preparing to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. military forces have been bolstered in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford along with its strike group, several warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 aircraft. Although U.S. officials maintain that operations so far have focused on counter-narcotics, the firepower assembled exceeds what is necessary for such missions. Since September, U.S. strikes on alleged drug vessels have resulted in at least 83 deaths, drawing condemnation from human rights groups as illegal extrajudicial killings, and raising concerns among some U.S. allies about potential violations of international law.
Inside Venezuela, Maduro has warned that the country and its military would resist any U.S. attempt to remove him. Reports cited by Reuters suggest that the Venezuelan government has considered a “prolonged resistance” strategy, including small military units conducting guerrilla-style operations across more than 280 locations. Amid rising tensions, airlines have canceled flights following FAA warnings of potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace, and Washington has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million. While talks between Caracas and Washington have occurred, the outcome of such discussions remains unclear as both sides prepare for a possible confrontation.
