Saturday, March 29, 2025
The United States is poised to initiate a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days, according to four unnamed US officials cited by Reuters. Reuters While no formal declaration of war has been made, the move signals a major escalation of pressure by the Donald Trump administration against Nicolás Maduro’s government in Caracas.
According to the officials, the “Venezuela operations phase” is expected to begin with covert measures, possibly involving the CIA and other clandestine tools. They noted that the exact timing and scale remain unclear. Reuters+1
The US has already significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying a strike group including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, F-35 fighters, and other assets to the Caribbean. Reuters+1
Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to civilian airlines about “heightened military activity” and a “worsening security situation” in and around Venezuelan airspace. Reuters+1
The administration argues that Mr Maduro is complicit in narcotics trafficking, including connections to the Cartel de los Soles, which the US plans to designate a foreign terrorist organisation. Reuters+1 The terrorist designation grants the Pentagon and other agencies expanded options to take action against Venezuelan infrastructure or high-level targets. Reuters
From Venezuela’s side, Maduro’s government has mobilised its own forces—including reservists and militias—and claimed to expect potential US aggression. Reuters+1
There is no clear indication that a full-scale invasion is imminent. The sources emphasise covert operations rather than openly declared war. Wikipedia+1 Still, the buildup of US military forces and the signals from the administration reflect a major shift towards readiness for more aggressive actions.
In short: war is not officially declared, but the possibility of military strikes, clandestine operations or efforts to remove Maduro is being pushed. mint
The officials say US options under review include:
Covert operations inside Venezuela or in the region. Reuters
Targeting Venezuelan infrastructure or financial assets. Reuters+1
Efforts to remove or destabilise Maduro’s government, though no final decision has been made. Reuters
Continuation and expansion of counter-narcotics operations which the US has cited as a justification. mint+1
A US military operation or significant escalation could trigger regional instability, draw condemnation from Latin American governments, and face legal and humanitarian scrutiny.
Venezuela’s military and militia mobilisations suggest the government anticipates a confrontation and may resort to guerrilla-style resistance. Reuters+1
Civil aviation and overflights have already been affected: airlines cancelled flights following FAA warnings. Reuters+1
The situation raises outer-limits questions for international law, US authority to act, and collateral risks.
Conclusion
While the US has not declared war on Venezuela, the emergence of a “Venezuela operations phase” marks a sharp escalation in US-Venezuela relations. Covert operations, military build-up and the expansion of counter-narcotics justification suggest the Trump administration is preparing for broader action than past sanctions or diplomatic pressure. Whether this leads to open conflict, regime change or a prolonged covert campaign remains to be seen.
