Overview
- The Wall Street Journal reports that options under review range from intensified economic pressure to strikes on Venezuelan military and government facilities.
- The New York Times reporting, cited by GlobalSecurity.org, says advisers have floated plans up to seizing oil fields, though the president resists risking U.S. troops.
- Justice Department guidance is being drafted to portray Nicolás Maduro and top security figures as central to the Cartel de los Soles to support expanded authorities.
- A U.S. military buildup is underway with the carrier Gerald R. Ford and bomber flights near Venezuela, and operations continue against boats alleged to smuggle drugs.
- Recent reporting attributes at least 67 deaths to the maritime strike campaign, CIA covert activities were authorized on October 7, and the Kremlin has urged avoiding conflict.