### Escalating Tensions: The U.S. Prepares for New Operations Against Venezuela The United States is gearing up to initiate a new phase of operations targeting Venezuela, as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts against President Nicolas Maduro's government. This escalation comes amid allegations that Maduro's regime is involved in drug trafficking that has adversely affected the U.S. [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-to-launch-new-phase-of-venezuela-operations-international-airlines-cancel-flights-10381016]. The U.S. is reportedly considering various options, including covert operations and potential military action, as part of its strategy to address the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3333827/toppling-maduro-among-us-options-trump-set-expand-venezuela-operations]. ### Structure of the U.S. Operations Against Venezuela 1. **Covert Operations**: Initial actions are expected to involve covert operations aimed at destabilizing Maduro's government [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3333827/toppling-maduro-among-us-options-trump-set-expand-venezuela-operations]. 2. **Military Buildup**: The deployment of a carrier strike group to the Caribbean indicates a significant military presence in the region, suggesting readiness for potential military intervention [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578732/trump-escalates-venezuela-offensive-with-covert-ops-military-buildup]. 3. **International Response**: Several international airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela following U.S. warnings, reflecting the growing concern over the situation [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-to-launch-new-phase-of-venezuela-operations-international-airlines-cancel-flights-10381016]. 4. **Regime Change Considerations**: Discussions within the U.S. administration include the possibility of regime change as a long-term goal [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3333827/toppling-maduro-among-us-options-trump-set-expand-venezuela-operations]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Military Deployment**: The U.S. has positioned a carrier strike group in the Caribbean, which is a clear indication of military readiness [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578732/trump-escalates-venezuela-offensive-with-covert-ops-military-buildup]. - **Covert Operations**: U.S. officials have indicated that covert actions will likely precede any overt military engagement [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3333827/toppling-maduro-among-us-options-trump-set-expand-venezuela-operations]. - **Flight Cancellations**: The cancellation of flights by international airlines serves as a barometer of the escalating tensions and the international community's response to U.S. warnings [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-to-launch-new-phase-of-venezuela-operations-international-airlines-cancel-flights-10381016]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in U.S.-Venezuela Relations In summary, the U.S. is on the brink of launching a new phase of operations against Venezuela, characterized by a combination of covert actions and military readiness. The situation is fluid, with several key points to consider: 1. **Immediate Covert Actions**: The U.S. is likely to initiate covert operations as a first step [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3333827/toppling-maduro-among-us-options-trump-set-expand-venezuela-operations]. 2. **Military Presence**: The deployment of military assets in the Caribbean underscores the seriousness of the U.S. approach [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578732/trump-escalates-venezuela-offensive-with-covert-ops-military-buildup]. 3. **International Implications**: The response from international airlines indicates a broader concern regarding the stability of Venezuela [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-to-launch-new-phase-of-venezuela-operations-international-airlines-cancel-flights-10381016]. 4. **Long-term Goals**: The potential for regime change remains a topic of discussion within the U.S. administration [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3333827/toppling-maduro-among-us-options-trump-set-expand-venezuela-operations]. As the situation develops, the implications for both Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy will be significant.