US Reportedly Preparing New Covert Operations Against Venezuela

According to a Reuters story quoting anonymous US officials, the US is apparently getting ready to begin a new phase of operations against Venezuela, which may involve attempts to remove President Nicolás Maduro.

Although the date and scope are yet unknown, sources with knowledge of the situation said that clandestine actions aimed at the Venezuelan leadership are probably going to take place in the next few days. Additionally, it’s unclear if President Donald Trump has officially approved the subsequent actions.

The New York Times claims that Trump had already given his approval to CIA preparations to carry out clandestine operations in Venezuela, which might be the first step toward more extensive US military engagement.

Washington’s military presence in the Caribbean has grown to about 16,000 soldiers, despite the US publicly denying plans to go to war with Caracas. The Washington Post reports that, excluding forces stationed in Puerto Rico, approximately 10,000 US soldiers and 6,000 sailors were stationed in the area as of October 31, according to Pentagon data.

US Marines have targeted boats off the coast of Venezuela in recent months, claiming they were used for drug trafficking. According to a September NBC News story, the Pentagon was thinking about taking direct action against targets within Venezuela, particularly those who were allegedly connected to drug networks.