US President Donald Trump has ramped up military and intelligence pressure on Venezuela since August 2025, deploying warships, troops, and authorising CIA covert actions amid accusations of drug trafficking and regime change ambitions.
Here’s a breakdown of the escalating crisis.
Origins: From drug strikes to regime change accusations
Tensions ignited in September 2025 when Trump accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro – whom he refuses to recognise as legitimate – of leading the Tren de Aragua crime gang, without evidence. This followed the first US airstrike on a Venezuelan boat on 1 September, killing 11 alleged drug traffickers. Trump released video of the attack, framing it as part of a national security campaign.
Since then, US forces have conducted 21 strikes on 22 vessels, killing over 80 people. Trump claims these target “narco-terrorists” threatening US interests, but Venezuelan officials call them illegal murders. Maduro denies drug ties and accuses Trump of fabricating a “new eternal war” to oust him.
Military build-Up: Operation Southern Spear
Trump’s deployment, dubbed “Operation Southern Spear”, marks the largest US military presence in the southern Caribbean in decades.
As of late November 2025, it includes:
- 10 warships: guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely, Stockdale, and Jason Dunham; amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima; transport docks USS San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale; cruiser USS Lake Erie; littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul; nuclear submarine USS Newport News; special operations ship MV Ocean Trader.
- Thousands of sailors and marines (over 4,500).
- F-35 fighters, B-52 bombers, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (supporting SEALs, Green Berets, and Delta Force).
The USS Gerald R. Ford – the world’s largest warship – entered the region in November, docking in Trinidad and Tobago, just 25 miles from Venezuela. Venezuelan F-16s buzzed the USS Jason Dunham on 4 September, prompting the US to send F-35s and Reapers to Puerto Rico.
US Southern Command’s Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta described the mission as protecting “national security and prosperity against narco-terrorism”.
CIA authorisation and covert ops
On 15 October 2025, Trump confirmed he authorised the CIA for lethal ground operations inside Venezuela and the Caribbean. Reports indicate a presidential “finding” enables covert actions, including strikes on drug targets. The CIA’s role aligns with past US interventions in adversarial nations.
Airspace closure and escalation
On 29 November, Trump declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety” to airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and traffickers. The FAA had already warned of “potentially hazardous” conditions, leading to cancellations by major carriers. Maduro revoked rights for six airlines and called it a “colonial threat”.
Maduro’s Response: “Massive mobilization”
Venezuela launched a “massive mobilisation” of military forces, weapons, and equipment. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said it optimises command, control, and communications for national defense. Maduro addressed troops at Fuerte Tiuna academy in full martial dress, waving Simón Bolívar’s sword, vowing to declare a “republic in arms” if attacked.
Surveillance cameras and the VenApp app – used in 2024 to report “suspicious activities” – have been reactivated for 24/7 citizen monitoring.
Expert views: Imminent strikes or bluff?
Experts see the build-up as disproportionate for drug interdiction, suggesting regime change motives. RUSI analyst Dr Carlos Solar told Sky News: “This scale suggests a strategic military goal.” He predicts long-range precision strikes on drug targets, forcing Maduro’s retaliation, or a full assault on military sites to compel surrender.
The International Crisis Group warns against regime change, noting Venezuela’s 6 million civilian guns, dysfunctional bureaucracy, economic collapse, and 8 million refugees could worsen with intervention.
Fentanyl and migration claims scrutinised
Trump alleges Venezuela sends prisoners (including from mental facilities) to the US and fuels the fentanyl crisis. However, fentanyl mainly originates in Mexico, not Venezuela, which serves as a cocaine transit point from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Drugs typically route through Trinidad and Tobago to Europe, not directly to the US.
US courts indicted Maduro on narco-terrorism charges in 2020, offering a $15 million bounty (up from $5 million). Maduro claims Tren de Aragua was dismantled in a 2023 prison raid.
Broader implications
The crisis echoes past US actions like the 1989 Panama invasion. Venezuelan opposition and analysts see regime change intent, with Maduro floating concessions like US oil stakes.
China’s Xi Jinping reaffirmed support, opposing “external meddling”. The UN and regional leaders urge de-escalation.
Source: SkyNews
Also read: Trump envoy meets Putin as US pushes for peace
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