US poised to initiate next stage of its Venezuela operations

The United States is preparing to initiate a new phase of actions targeting Venezuela, according to information provided by four U.S. officials, reported by Reuters on November 23.

The timing and scale of the planned operations remain uncertain, and it is not clear whether President Donald Trump has authorised a final course of action.

Two officials said the first steps are likely to include covert actions directed at the government of President Nicolas Maduro. All four officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity surrounding potential U.S. operations.

The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, while the CIA offered no comment.

A senior administration official stated on November 22 that “President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice.”

U.S. officials have argued that Maduro plays a central role in illegal drug trafficking, an accusation he rejects. Some officials told Reuters that options under consideration include efforts to remove the Venezuelan leader from power through regime change.

Maduro, who has governed since 2013, has repeatedly asserted that Washington intends to overthrow him and has insisted that Venezuelans would resist external intervention. He has ordered a mass mobilisation of Venezuela’s armed forces.

Military activity in the Caribbean has escalated for months. Trump has already authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued guidance on November 21 warning airlines of a hazardous environment in Venezuelan airspace. Following the notice, several international carriers cancelled flights departing the country.

U.S. officials also plan to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization on November 24, alleging its involvement in drug shipments to the United States.

U.S. officials allege that Maduro is the head of the Cartel de los Soles, effectively labelling the Venezuelan president a terrorist.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that such a designation “brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States.”

Diplomatic contacts between Washington and Caracas continue, though officials acknowledge it is unclear whether ongoing communication will influence the timing of U.S. actions.

The arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group in the Caribbean on November 16 has further signalled the aggressive stance taken by the U.S.

American forces have conducted multiple deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels since September, drawing criticism from human rights groups and concern from international partners.

Reuters, Maghrebi.org