Reported options include airstrikes, the deployment of special forces and the seizure of control over Venezuela’s oil fields
The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering three ways of removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power, including through a Navy SEALs operation, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing anonymous officials.
The report comes after a recent US military buildup in the Caribbean, following Trump’s accusation that Maduro is tied to “narcoterrorist” networks which smuggle drugs into the United States.
Last month, Trump authorized CIA operations in Venezuela over alleged state-backed trafficking, and Washington has deployed naval forces to the western Caribbean with orders to use overwhelming force against suspected drug-running vessels. Maduro has denied the allegations, accusing Trump of “fabricating a new war.”
According to the NYT, the plans under review could include a combination of airstrikes against military installations that support Maduro, special operations missions targeting the president directly, and efforts to seize control of Venezuela’s oil fields and infrastructure.
One proposed scenario reportedly involves airstrikes against military facilities, some of which US officials claim might be involved in facilitating drug trafficking, the outlet said. The aim of this approach would be to collapse Venezuelan military support for Maduro.
A second plan would be to deploy US Special Operations forces, including the elite Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 known as ‘Navy SEALs’, to capture or kill Maduro, the outlet claimed. The White House would seek to bypass existing restrictions on targeting foreign leaders by characterizing Maduro as the leader of a narcoterrorist gang, echoing justifications for US airstrikes against drug-smuggling vessels, the article stated.
The third plan would reportedly send counterterrorism forces to Venezuela to seize control of airports, oilfields, and critical infrastructure.
The US has offered a $50 million bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction.
According to multiple media reports last week, Washington is planning operations inside Venezuela and has identified potential targets allegedly linked to drug smuggling. The US has reportedly deployed around 10,000 soldiers and eight Navy warships to the region.
Venezuela has condemned the military buildup as a sovereign violation and a coup attempt. The government is reportedly seeking support from Russia, China, and Iran. Moscow recently reaffirmed its partnership with Caracas, expressing strong support for the country’s leadership in defending its sovereignty.
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