URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration is escalating its operations against Venezuela, targeting President Nicolás Maduro in a significant new phase of strategy. Multiple U.S. officials have confirmed that covert operations are being planned as initial steps, as tensions rise amidst military deployments in the Caribbean.
Reports indicate that the U.S. military has recently increased its presence in the region, with the largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, arriving to join other military assets. This move signals a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the Venezuelan regime, which has faced increasing isolation.
The U.S. plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, accusing Maduro of leading this group. The implications of this designation could further tighten sanctions and increase pressure on the Venezuelan government.
As the situation unfolds, there is rising concern over the potential fallout from these operations. Douglas Farah, a Latin America security consultant, warns that Venezuela could descend into chaos if Maduro is overthrown, with various factions vying for control. “We could see chaos for a sustained period of time with no possibility of ending it,” Farah stated.
In the U.S. Senate, Chuck Schumer has called for a classified briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the escalating military operations. Schumer emphasized the need for congressional consultation, stating, “The last thing Americans want right now is another endless war.”
Former national security adviser John Bolton remarked on the Trump administration’s approach, suggesting it has “put the gun on the table” in negotiations with Maduro, indicating that military pressure may be coupled with potential talks in the future.
The Pentagon and CIA have declined to comment on these developments, but a senior administration official confirmed that all options remain on the table. The exact timing and scope of these operations are still under discussion, but the urgency of the situation is clear.
As the U.S. ramps up its efforts against Maduro, the international community watches closely, fearing prolonged instability in Venezuela, a nation rich in oil but plagued by economic and humanitarian crises.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story and its potential global implications.