UPDATE: The Trump administration is gearing up for a significant escalation in operations against Venezuela, sources confirm. This urgent move targets President Nicolas Maduro and could involve covert military actions aimed at destabilizing his regime.
According to Reuters, four U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that initial steps may include covert operations. The exact timing and scope are still unclear, as President Donald Trump has yet to finalize any decisions. The U.S. military is already deploying forces to the Caribbean, heightening tensions with Venezuela.
Officials indicated that among the options being considered is the potential overthrow of Maduro. While the Pentagon and CIA have declined to comment on ongoing strategies, a senior administration official stated that “all options remain open.”
In a related move, the U.S. plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization this coming Monday, accusing Maduro of leading the group. Maduro has vehemently denied these allegations and accused Trump of attempting to orchestrate his ousting.
The deployment of the U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean marks a significant increase in military presence in the region. This development raises alarms about potential prolonged chaos in Venezuela, a country rich in oil but plagued by economic and political turmoil.
Experts warn that escalating U.S. pressure could lead to violent chaos as various factions vie for control should Maduro be ousted. Douglas Farah, a Latin America security consultant, cautioned that Venezuela could face “chaos for a sustained period of time with no possibility of ending it.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a classified briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the escalating military operations. Schumer expressed concern over the potential for conflict, stating, “The last thing Americans want right now is another endless war.”
Former national security adviser John Bolton emphasized that Trump’s approach has “put the gun on the table” in negotiations with Maduro, underscoring the increased military pressure while leaving the door open for potential talks. Bolton also noted that drug smugglers would adapt to U.S. actions, ensuring that narcotics cartels continue to seek new routes.
The situation remains fluid and developing, with significant implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and the stability of the region. As military operations ramp up, the world watches closely to see how this strategy unfolds and what it means for the future of Venezuela.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.
