Pentagon gave Trump plans for military operations in Venezuela, reports say

Sources told the outlet that the Pentagon presented Trump with updated operational plans for Venezuela. The options include not only air strikes but also ground actions. Trump received a briefing from War Minister Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs head Dan Caine, and other top-ranking officials.

US intelligence services assisted in providing the operational information. However, despite the existence of ready options, no decision has yet been made. The White House and the Pentagon declined to comment.

The US concentrates its military forces

The United States has concentrated substantial military forces in the Caribbean, officially to combat drug trafficking. Over the past two months, US forces have carried out at least 21 strikes against vessels identified as drug-smuggling boats. As a result of the strikes, 80 suspected smugglers were killed, and two were taken prisoner.

Recently, the US has strengthened its military presence in Latin America. The Gerald Ford carrier strike group has arrived in the Caribbean Sea. Washington says the operation is aimed at fighting drug trafficking.

The group also includes the cruiser Normandy and the destroyers Thomas Gardner, Remage, Carney, and Roosevelt, equipped with air-defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine systems.

Trump told CBS News in an interview that Nicolás Maduro’s days as Venezuela’s President are numbered, but he expressed doubt that the US would strike Venezuela.

According to media reports, the White House is considering several strike options against Venezuela. These could include air strikes on military targets, the elimination of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by elite forces, or the seizure of key national infrastructure sites.