The United States government is reportedly gearing up to enter a new phase of operations targeting the Venezuelan regime in the coming days.
This development was disclosed to Reuters by four officials from the Trump Administration. One of these sources mentioned that the options being considered include efforts to oust Maduro.
However, the news agency could not ascertain the precise timing or scope of the forthcoming operations, nor if President Donald Trump had made a final decision to proceed.
Nonetheless, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, covert operations might be the next step against Maduro's regime.
Both the CIA and the White House declined to comment on the matter.
Two American officials emphasized the sensitivity of the impending U.S. action, hence their preference for anonymity in this report.
“President Trump is prepared to utilize all the power of the United States to prevent drugs from entering our country and bring those responsible to justice,” stated one official.
Airlines Halt Flights to Venezuela Following U.S. Warning
This Saturday, it was revealed that six international airlines have temporarily halted their operations in Venezuela following a U.S. security advisory.
Spanish airline Iberia, Portuguese carrier TAP, Colombian airline Avianca, Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines, Brazilian airline GOL, and Chilean carrier LATAM all suspended their flights to and from Venezuela this Saturday.
The decision came after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of “increased military activity” and deteriorating safety conditions in the Caribbean nation's airspace.
Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airline Association (ALAV), confirmed to EFE that these six airlines decided to cancel their operations due to this advisory, which particularly affects the Maiquetía flight information region, the hub for international arrivals and departures.
Spanish newspaper El País also reported that while the FAA has not banned flights over Venezuela, it has advised airlines to “exercise extreme caution” due to a “potential risk situation” linked to the increased military maneuvers within or around Venezuelan territory.
The advisory, effective until February 19, also requires companies to notify 72 hours in advance if they plan to enter Venezuelan airspace.
Regional Tensions and Military Maneuvers
Adding to the regional tension, El País notes the recent deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest and most modern aircraft carrier, to Washington's naval operations in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Lance. While the U.S. frames this campaign as a counter-narcotics effort, it has sparked political tensions and speculation about possible actions against Nicolás Maduro's government.
Maduro's Defiance: "No One Can Stop Me"
On Friday, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro made a spectacle of himself once again by dancing to a tune parodying his attempt to speak English.
“No war, no crazy war, no, no, no, how do you say in English? Peace, peace, yes peace,” Maduro was heard repeating and singing along to the music during a Student Day celebration in Caracas.
“It's Friday, and what happens on Friday? And what are we going to do today? Peaceful Venezuela, Friday night is declared total party, rumba, rumba, rumba! It's Friday, and I'm going to party! No one can stop me!” he declared to the student gathering.
Amid tensions with the U.S., the Venezuelan dictator insisted that American “schemes” will not deter him.
Key Questions on U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
What actions is the U.S. considering against Venezuela?
The U.S. is contemplating several options, including covert operations and attempts to unseat Nicolás Maduro from power.
Why have airlines suspended flights to Venezuela?
Airlines have suspended flights due to a U.S. FAA advisory warning of increased military activity and deteriorating safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace.
What is Operation Southern Lance?
Operation Southern Lance is a U.S. naval campaign in the Caribbean presented as a counter-narcotics effort, involving the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford.