Overview
- The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration has singled out sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities allegedly used for drug smuggling, with potential airstrikes under consideration.
- Sources cited by the Miami Herald, reported by News18, said planned attacks aim to destroy installations tied to the Cartel de los Soles and degrade its leadership, with action described as possibly imminent.
- U.S. forces have expanded their regional posture with eight Navy ships, a nuclear submarine, and roughly 10,000 troops, alongside flights near Venezuelan airspace that included two B‑1 bombers and an earlier attack demonstration.
- President Donald Trump has said he authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and is weighing ground options, while the U.S. has posted a $50 million reward for Nicolás Maduro and $25 million for certain senior allies.
- Recent boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific resulted in dozens of deaths that Washington links to drug trafficking, a characterization disputed by governments that say the victims were fishermen.