The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering aggressive measures, including airstrikes and potential Navy SEALs missions, to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. These plans, reported by the New York Times, also include efforts to seize control of Venezuela’s oil fields and critical infrastructure. The move follows a recent military buildup in the Caribbean, which Trump has tied to accusations that Maduro’s government is linked to narcotics trafficking networks.
Trump’s administration has authorized CIA operations in Venezuela, targeting alleged state-backed drug trafficking activities. The U.S. has deployed naval forces to the western Caribbean with instructions to use overwhelming force against suspected drug-running vessels. Maduro has denied the allegations, dismissing them as a fabricated pretext for a new war. The proposed strategies include airstrikes against military facilities supporting Maduro, special operations missions to capture or kill him, and the seizure of oil infrastructure.
The White House may justify targeting Maduro by labeling him the leader of a narcoterrorist gang, a justification that aligns with past justifications for strikes against drug-smuggling vessels. The U.S. is also reportedly sending counterterrorism forces to Venezuela to take control of airports, oil fields, and key infrastructure. Additionally, the U.S. has offered a $50 million bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction. This military buildup has drawn condemnation from Venezuela, which views it as an act of aggression against its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is seeking support from Russia, China, and Iran to counter the U.S. pressure. Moscow has reiterated its commitment to Venezuela’s sovereignty, reaffirming its partnership with the country. The situation underscores the deepening geopolitical tensions in the region, with the U.S. and its allies vying for influence over Venezuela’s strategic resources and political stability.