Trump's team plans new push on Venezuela, Reuters reports
Photo: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Getty Images)
The administration of Donald Trump plans to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days, according to Reuters.
The agency was unable to determine the exact timing or scale of the new operations, or whether US President Donald Trump had made a final decision to proceed.
Reports about upcoming actions have increased in recent weeks, as US military forces have been deployed in the Caribbean amid worsening relations with Venezuela.
Two US officials cited by Reuters said the covert operations are likely to be the first part of new actions against Maduro.
An administration official on Saturday did not rule out any options regarding Venezuela.
"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," said the official, who requested anonymity.
The buildup of military forces in the Caribbean has been underway for several months, and Trump has authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela.
Airlines cancel flights from Venezuela
Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration on Friday warned airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela and urged caution.
Three international airlines canceled flights from Venezuela on Saturday, November 22.
Reuters reports that on Monday the US plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States. Trump's administration has accused Maduro of leading the cartel, which he denies.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the terrorist designation “brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States.”
Tensions between the US and Venezuela
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, US President Donald Trump ordered the launch of Operation Southern Splice in the Western Hemisphere (effectively near Venezuela). As explained by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, the operation is aimed at narco-terrorist organizations.
US naval forces, amid rising tensions with Venezuela, also sent a strike group with the flagship aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford into the Caribbean Sea.
