US Strategy Involves Covert Operations and Military Buildup Against Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has approved a strategy to apply increased pressure on Venezuela, with the potential of a broader military campaign. The New York Times reports that US officials have sanctioned covert CIA operations targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government. This strategy allegedly includes sabotage or cyber, psychological, and information operations aimed at creating internal tensions and disrupting the regime.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed warships to the Caribbean and executed strikes on suspicious small boats that the US claims are part of drug smuggling operations from Venezuela. The White House asserts that Maduro is an illegitimate, cartel-linked leader, fueling fears that direct military action might be imminent. Maduro has strongly denied the allegations of drug trafficking, warning the US against ’launching a crazy war.’
According to the NYT, while Trump has not yet deployed combat forces to Venezuela, the administration is preparing for a scenario that could involve ’sabotage or some sort of cyber, psychological, or information operations’ to intensify pressure on the Maduro government. Military planners have compiled lists of alleged drug facilities and are evaluating strikes on military units aligned with Maduro. Trump convened two meetings in the White House Situation Room last week to discuss Venezuela and evaluate strategies with senior advisors.
At the same time, Trump has resumed back-channel negotiations with Maduro after briefly halting discussions last month. Sources close to the situation tell the outlet that Maduro has reportedly expressed willingness to provide access to Venezuela’s oil reserves for US energy companies. Trump acknowledged these talks on Sunday, stating that ’we may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out.’
Venezuela has denounced the military buildup as a violation of sovereignty and a coup attempt, placing its military on high alert. Russia recently reaffirmed its support for Venezuela’s leadership in defending its territorial integrity. As tensions escalate, the potential for direct intervention by the US remains a critical point of contention between the two nations.