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Khaled Saifulla 24 Nov 2025 , 3:58 AM Print Edition
WASHINGTON, November 23 — The United States is preparing to launch a new, escalated phase of operations targeting Venezuela in the coming days, four US officials confirmed to Reuters. The move signals a potential challenge to the rule of President Nicolás Maduro.
The new strategy comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Caracas, citing concerns over drug trafficking and Maduro’s alleged role in the Cartel de los Soles.
Covert Actions and Military Buildup
Sources suggest the initial step in the new strategy will likely involve covert operations. Discussions among US officials reportedly include options aimed at pushing Maduro from power.
The announcement follows a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean:
Deployment: The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, along with at least seven warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 fighter aircraft, arrived in the region on November 16.
Official Focus: The Pentagon officially states the forces are focused on counter-narcotics missions.
Scale of Force: Critics argue the sheer scale of the deployment far exceeds what is necessary for drug interdiction alone.
Escalating Pressure
Washington plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles—which it accuses Maduro of leading—as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on Monday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently suggested the FTO designation opens up “a whole bunch of new options,” including potential strikes on Maduro’s assets and infrastructure.
The heightened risk has already impacted civilian travel:
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines about a “potentially hazardous situation” over Venezuelan airspace.
Multiple international carriers canceled flights departing from Caracas over the weekend following the FAA warning.
Despite the military escalation, President Trump has also expressed openness to negotiations, stating he would be “talking to him [Maduro]” at a certain time. Maduro has publicly responded that he is ready for dialogue.
