• The U.S. is set to launch a new phase of operations targeting Nicolás Maduro's government.
• Options include covert operations and potential strikes on drug cartels linked to Maduro.
• Recent military buildup in the Caribbean has raised concerns about possible confrontation.
• U.S. may also use psychological tactics, such as dropping leaflets in Caracas.
• Maduro's government is preparing for guerrilla-style resistance against U.S. actions.

The United States is preparing to launch a new phase of operations aimed at President Nicolás Maduro’s government in the coming days, as reported by multiple U.S. officials. This escalation signals intensified pressure from the Trump administration amidst worsening relations with Venezuela and an ongoing military buildup in the Caribbean. Covert operations are expected to be among the initial actions undertaken, with the possibility of attempts to remove Maduro from power also discussed. All officials provided this information on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the impending strategy, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The U.S. military has been conducting extensive operations in the region, with at least 21 strikes against suspected drug traffickers since September, resulting in numerous casualties. This action is part of a broader strategy to confront what the U.S. claims is Maduro's involvement in drug trafficking through the Cartel de los Soles, which the Trump administration plans to designate as a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that this designation could provide new options for America, including potential strikes against Maduro’s assets and infrastructure, according to CBS News and India Times.

In addition to military operations, U.S. officials have discussed the potential for dropping leaflets over Caracas as a psychological tactic to undermine Maduro’s regime, which could coincide with his 63rd birthday. This initiative, viewed as a form of psychological warfare, highlights the range of strategies being considered by the Trump administration as they aim to increase pressure on Venezuela amidst diplomatic uncertainty and military readiness. President Trump has also hinted at the possibility of engaging directly with Maduro, stating that he wouldn't rule out any actions regarding U.S. troops in Venezuela, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Maduro’s government, asserting that it has the support of Venezuelan citizens and military, is reportedly preparing for a potential invasion by the U.S. through "prolonged resistance," which includes guerrilla tactics from over 280 locations across the country. This planned response reveals a heightened sense of urgency and determination from Maduro’s administration to resist U.S. interventions, as tensions in the region continue to rise. The extensive military presence of the U.S., marked by the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and other naval vessels, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved, as reiterated by CBS News and India Times.