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U.S. Officials Consider Dropping Leaflets Over Caracas as Pressure on Maduro Escalates

The U.S. administration considered distributing leaflets over Caracas as one psychological option in a broader campaign to pressure President Nicolás Maduro, potentially timed for his birthday. Officials have also authorized covert activity and increased military deployments in the region. U.S. forces have carried out multiple strikes on vessels they describe as drug traffickers, while Washington says it does not recognize Maduro's contested victory and has offered rewards related to alleged narcotics-linked activity.

04:38 PM, 11/23/2025Conflict
U.S. Officials Consider Dropping Leaflets Over Caracas as Pressure on Maduro Escalates

Senior officials in the U.S. administration discussed the possibility of distributing leaflets over Caracas as a psychological tactic aimed at increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The proposed, unapproved operation was reportedly considered for the day of Maduro's birthday.

Options under consideration

U.S. officials say the leaflet plan was one of several options discussed as part of a broader campaign to weaken Maduro's hold on power. Administration officials have also authorized covert activities inside Venezuela and significantly increased the U.S. military presence in the region.

Military posture and recent operations

In recent months the U.S. has stepped up military activity near Venezuela, including live-fire exercises and strikes on vessels described by U.S. officials as suspected drug traffickers. U.S. officials report at least 21 strikes since early September, which they say have killed roughly 80 people; authorities have not publicly produced independent evidence that all struck vessels were carrying narcotics.

There are approximately 15,000 U.S. personnel deployed across the region. U.S. naval assets operating nearby include an aircraft carrier and multiple guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, along with amphibious ships. Several dozen fighter jets are also positioned on U.S. territory in the Caribbean.

Politics and diplomacy

When asked about the possibility of military intervention, President Trump said he would not rule out sending U.S. troops to Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has led the country since 2013, said he would consider "face-to-face" talks with the U.S. president.

The U.S. government has publicly refused to recognize Maduro's recent contested election victory and has accused his inner circle of involvement in drug trafficking, offering a reward for information that could lead to his arrest.

Note: Some operational plans discussed by officials were not approved and remained under consideration at the time of reporting.

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