US Prepares Escalation Against Venezuela Over Maduro Drug Ties

The United States is preparing to initiate a new phase of operations targeting Venezuela in the coming days, according to four U.S. officials familiar with the matter, as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign against President Nicolas Maduro over allegations of involvement in international drug trafficking.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, indicated that covert actions would likely serve as the initial step in this escalation. Options under consideration include efforts to remove Maduro from power, though the exact timing, scope and final approval by President Donald Trump remain unclear. A senior administration official emphasized the breadth of potential measures, stating, "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."

This development builds on months of military buildup in the Caribbean, where U.S. forces have deployed significant assets amid deteriorating relations with Caracas. The Navy's aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in the region on November 16, accompanied by its strike group,...