WASHINGTON (Realist English). The United States is preparing to launch a new phase of operations targeting Venezuela in the coming days, four U.S. officials told Reuters, signalling a further escalation in pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
According to the officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the timing and scope of the planned actions have not been finalised, and it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump has issued a final order. Reports of impending activity have multiplied in recent weeks as the U.S. military has moved additional assets into the Caribbean.
Two officials said covert action is likely to form the first stage of the new campaign. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, while the CIA declined to comment. A senior administration representative said Trump is prepared to use “every element of American power” to stop drug flows into the United States and “bring those responsible to justice.” Washington accuses Maduro of involvement in narcotics trafficking — allegations he rejects.
U.S. options under review include scenarios aimed at removing Maduro from power, two officials said. The Venezuelan leader has long claimed that Washington seeks to overthrow him and insists the military and population would resist any such attempt.
The military buildup continues. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group arrived in the Caribbean on November 16, joining at least seven other U.S. warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft. While the Pentagon stresses counter-narcotics missions, the firepower deployed far exceeds what such operations normally require.
Since September, U.S. forces have conducted at least 21 strikes on vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing at least 83 people. Human rights groups have denounced the actions as extrajudicial killings, and several U.S. partners have expressed concern about possible breaches of international law.
Washington is expected on Monday to designate the Cartel de los Soles — which it accuses Maduro of leading — as a foreign terrorist organisation. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the designation would open “a whole range of new options” for U.S. action. Trump has suggested it could allow strikes on Maduro’s assets and infrastructure, while also hinting at potential negotiations.
The FAA has warned airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” over Venezuelan airspace; several carriers cancelled flights on Saturday. Meanwhile, Maduro’s government is preparing for a possible U.S. intervention, developing guerrilla-style “prolonged resistance” plans involving more than 280 dispersed units tasked with sabotage and irregular warfare.
Washington has doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million.