US poised for new phase of Venezuela action, report says
發佈日期: 2025-11-23 21:18
TVB News
The United States is poised to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, Reuters reports, citing US officials.
The Trump administration is increasing pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government, which the US blames for the supply of illegal drugs that have killed Americans.
Maduro says the US is looking for "pretexts" for war and is after Venezuela's oil fields.
On Friday, thousands of students from across the country responded to a call by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to attend a peace march in the capital Caracas.
He told them he wanted to connect student movements between Venezuela and the US, with the message of "no to war and that Venezuela wants peace".
This amid mixed signals from US President Donald Trump, who said he was willing to talk to Maduro but also refused to rule out military action and even overthrowing his government.
The US Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R Ford, arrived in the Caribbean on November 16 with its strike group, joining at least seven other warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft.
US forces in the region so far have focused on anti-narcotics operations, carrying out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats, killing at least 83 people.
Human rights groups have condemned the attacks as "extra judicial" and contravening international law.
Two U.S. officials told Reuters that covert operations would likely be the first part of the new action against Maduro.
A senior administration official on Saturday said Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into the country.
Maduro denies US accusations that he is leading the Cartel de los Soles drug syndicate, which Washington plans to designate a foreign terrorist group.
The US reportedly warned major airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" in the region.
Reports say six international airlines from Spain, Portugal, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago have suspended flights to Venezuela.
