Four US officials quoted by Reuters revealed that the US was considering launching a new phase of operations in the region. While details on the scope of the activities and their timing remain unknown, two of them pointed to covert operations as a likely first step.
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What operations does the US plan against Venezuela?
Who is the president of Venezuela?
What does the US accuse Nicolas Maduro of?
What actions is the US military taking in the Caribbean?
A senior administration official emphasized on Saturday that Donald Trump is determined to use all available means to counter the flow of drugs into the US.
“The president is prepared to use every element of American power to bring those responsible to justice,” the official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.
Tension between the US and Venezuela
The Trump administration has been accusing Nicolas Maduro for a long time for cooperation with smuggling organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles gangwho is believed to be involved in supplying drugs to the United States. Maduro firmly denies these allegations, pointing out that they are part of a campaign to overthrow him.
According to two US officials, the Trump administration is considering various scenarios, including actions aimed at removing Maduro from power. The president of Venezuela, who has ruled the country since 2013, has repeatedly emphasized that his citizens and military are ready to oppose any attempt at interference from the US.
Meanwhile, tension in the region is growing. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines, pointing to a “potentially hazardous situation” over Venezuela. In response to these recommendations, three international airlines canceled their flights on Saturday. Meanwhile, the US military continues to build up its forces in the Caribbean, which has been ongoing for several months, and President Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in the region.
