War Clouds On the U.S. and Venezuela
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated sharply in late 2025, driven by U.S. military actions against drug trafficking, covert operations, and direct ultimatums to President Nicolás Maduro from President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration authorized CIA covert actions in Venezuela and conducted multiple “kinetic strikes” on suspected drug vessels off the coast, resulting in dozens of deaths. U.S. forces, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier, have built up in the Caribbean, framed as counter-narcotics but signaling broader pressure on Maduro’s regime. On December 1, Trump reportedly told Maduro to leave immediately with safe passage offered, which Caracas rejected.
Maduro has mobilized over 4.5 million militia members, conducted resistance drills, and revoked foreign airline rights while accusing the U.S. of aggression. Venezuela rejects U.S. claims of closed airspace and labels actions as unlawful.
The U.S. plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group, amid concerns over miscalculation, regional spillover, and international law violations. No full-scale war has erupted, but the standoff evokes “powder keg” warnings due to Venezuela’s ties to Russia and China.
