WASHINGTON – The United States is considerably increasing its military presence near Venezuela, deploying 4,000 Marines as part of a multifaceted strategy aimed at destabilizing the maduro regime, according to multiple sources within the Trump management. The deployment, unusual in scale for a stated anti-narcotics operation, signals a heightened willingness to consider options beyond diplomatic pressure as the political and economic crisis in Venezuela deepens.
The escalating situation carries profound implications for regional stability, international drug trafficking routes, and the millions of Venezuelans suffering under authoritarian rule. The U.S. is simultaneously exploring avenues for a negotiated transition of power, incentivizing a military coup through significant rewards, and contemplating direct intervention to disrupt cocaine production. The outcome will likely reshape the geopolitical landscape of South America and determine the future of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
While the official justification centers on combating drug trafficking, several Trump advisors advocate for a more assertive approach to regime change. One official stated that the administration’s strategy involves “loading bricks” for Maduro, implying increased pressure and potential legal consequences. Another advisor bluntly compared allowing Maduro to remain in power to “turning Jeffrey Epstein into the director of a nursery,” underscoring the perceived moral and security risks.
The U.S. government is reportedly pinning hopes on either Maduro agreeing to negotiate a departure from power or being ousted by members of his own military motivated by the substantial rewards offered for his capture. Alongside these efforts, officials are considering aggressive interdiction operations and even potential air strikes targeting areas involved in cocaine production.
Despite acknowledging the failure of previous attempts to force a change in Caracas during Trump’s first term, some within the administration believe that financial incentives could sway key figures within Maduro’s inner circle. “Where you go, I don’t think we care about much. There are others in Venezuela who are trained to govern a country so well or better than him. We are not choosing favorites,” an american official revealed.
Although a full-scale invasion remains unlikely, the possibility of intercepting Venezuelan vessels and conducting limited air operations is being actively discussed. officials cautioned that speculation regarding Maduro’s potential flight or the succession plans of his regime remains largely uncertain.
The deployment includes a substantial naval component, as detailed in reports regarding the vessels being positioned near Venezuela. These include warships, submarines, and aircraft. The U.S. also hopes that Maduro will be compelled to negotiate,as indicated in reports concerning accusations of treaty violations.Maduro has accused the U.S. of violating the Treaty of Tlatelolco, a nuclear-weapon-free zone agreement.
read the full note in Axios.
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