CIA Weighs Covert Operations to Oust Nicolás Maduro as U.S. Military Presence Builds in Caribbean

U.S. officials say the Central Intelligence Agency is weighing covert operations intended to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power as Washington prepares a new phase of actions in the region.

Key developments

Four U.S. officials told sources that a fresh round of Venezuela-related measures could be launched in the coming days. It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump has made a final decision on which options to pursue or on the timing of any operation.

"President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice," a senior administration official said on condition of anonymity.

Officials indicated covert actions would likely be the initial phase of any campaign directed at Maduro. The administration has framed some potential action as part of a broader counter-narcotics effort, alleging links between Venezuela’s leadership and drug trafficking—claims Maduro denies.

Military posture and transport advisories

A U.S. naval build-up in the Caribbean has been underway for months. The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and its strike group arrived in the region on Nov. 16, joining several other warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft. U.S. forces in the area say they have focused on counter-narcotics missions, even as the concentration of firepower has drawn wider attention.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety advisory urging caution when flying over Venezuela; several international carriers canceled flights from Venezuela following the warning.

Designations, strikes and international concerns

U.S. officials announced plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization for its alleged role in trafficking illegal drugs into the United States. The administration has accused Maduro of ties to the cartel, which he rejects. Leaders say that designation would expand legal and operational options available to the U.S. government.

Since September, U.S. forces have reportedly struck at least 21 suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, with reports indicating the strikes may have killed dozens of people. Human rights groups have condemned those actions as potential extrajudicial killings, and some allied governments have raised concerns about compliance with international law.

Washington also increased its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million in August.

Political response in Venezuela

Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, says the United States seeks to remove him and has vowed resistance from both the public and the military. He recently attended a public event in Caracas ahead of his 63rd birthday.

The CIA declined to comment on the reporting. Administration officials stressed that diplomatic channels remain open even as military and covert options are discussed.