Trump has intensified pressure on Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, designating him and his inner circle as members of a foreign terrorist organization. Analysts say the move is viewed as another step toward criminalizing Maduro: the implied threat of military force could push him toward relinquishing power.
As American media note, this designation potentially broadens Washington’s array of military tools for conducting strikes inside the country. With relations deteriorating in recent weeks, reports of possible action have circulated widely: U.S. forces have redeployed naval vessels to the Caribbean.
U.S. Declares a “War on Narco-Terrorists” and Prepares Covert Operations Against Venezuela
Trump Pivots Foreign Policy Toward Latin America, Blending Threats, Sanctions, and Promises to Allies
María Corina Machado Says Only Military Pressure Will Force Maduro to Step Down
Her Statement Comes Shortly After Reports of Trump Administration Plans to Strike Venezuelan Military Targets
Reuters reported yesterday, citing four unnamed U.S. officials, that Washington is preparing to launch a new phase of operations in the coming days. The agency notes, however, that the precise timing and scale of these actions remain unclear, and it is not known whether Trump has made a final decision.