(Washington, D.C.) U.S. officials revealed that the White House is about to launch a new phase of its crackdown on the Venezuelan government under the pretext of drug trafficking. As tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela escalate, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that flights to and from Venezuela would face risks, and at least six airlines canceled flights to and from Venezuela on Saturday.
Reuters reported on Saturday (November 22) that the exact timing and scale of this new operation, as well as whether U.S. President Trump has made a final decision, are unclear. However, two U.S. officials said the new operation against Venezuela may begin as a covert operation.
A senior U.S. government official also said that any action against Venezuela is not ruled out, indicating that Trump is "prepared to use all U.S. power" to stop the influx of drugs into the United States and bring those behind the scenes to justice.
The Cartel de los Soles, headquartered in Venezuela, has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. on Monday (November 24), and Venezuelan President Maduro has been identified as the leader of the drug trafficking group.
The White House may consider overthrowing Maduro after the Cartel de los Soles is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. on Monday (November 24). The Trump administration has been weighing various options for action against Venezuela, while Maduro has denied any connection to the illegal drug trade. Two U.S. officials revealed that the White House is considering options including overthrowing President Maduro.
Further Reading
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned on Friday that civilian aircraft flying in Venezuelan airspace should remain vigilant due to "a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in and around Venezuela."
The FAA also noted an increase in incidents of interference with Venezuelan airspace navigation systems and the frequency of Venezuelan military exercises.
The president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association, Del Rodoza, said on Saturday that six airlines, including Iberia Airlines of Spain, TAP Air Portugal, and LATAM Airlines of Chile, have suspended flights to and from Venezuela.
Since September, the United States has continued its crackdown on drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea, deploying the USS Ford carrier strike group, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier in the world, to the region to intensify its anti-drug operations. To date, the U.S. military has launched 21 attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in at least 83 deaths.
