WASHINGTON, Nov 22 (Reuters) - The United States is preparing to start a new round of operations related to Venezuela in the upcoming days, according to four U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. This move comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
While Reuters could not determine the exact timing or details of these new operations, there have been many reports suggesting action is imminent. Recently, the U.S. military has sent forces to the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela escalate.
Two of the officials indicated that covert operations might be the initial step in the response against Maduro. All four officials chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the upcoming actions.
The Pentagon directed inquiries to the White House, while the CIA opted not to comment.
A senior official from the administration stated that all options regarding Venezuela remain on the table.
“President Trump is ready to use all available American resources to stop the influx of drugs into our country and hold those responsible accountable,” said the official, who also requested anonymity.
The Trump administration has been considering various options regarding Venezuela, emphasizing Maduro’s alleged role in the drug trade that has had deadly consequences for Americans. Maduro, however, denies any connections to illegal drug dealing.
Moreover, two U.S. officials revealed to Reuters that discussions have included plans to attempt to remove Maduro from power.
Maduro, who has been in authority since 2013, claims that Trump aims to displace him and that both Venezuelans and the military would resist such an endeavor.
As Maduro approaches his 63rd birthday this Sunday, he appeared on Saturday night at the main theater in Caracas for the premiere of a television series about his life.
There has been a military buildup in the Caribbean for several months, and Trump has approved covert CIA operations in Venezuela. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cautioned major airlines on Friday about a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over Venezuela, advising them to take extra precautions.
Consequently, three international airlines canceled flights from Venezuela on Saturday following this warning from the FAA.
The United States plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization on Monday due to its alleged involvement in drug trafficking into the U.S., according to officials. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading this cartel, which he denies.