US Plans Escalated Military Campaign Against Venezuela's Maduro Regime

Craig Deare, a former senior US national security aide and Army intelligence officer, has called for a significant escalation in the Trump administration's campaign against Venezuela, labeling Nicolás Maduro's government a "criminal-terrorist entity" rather than a legitimate sovereign state. Deare advocates for a comprehensive military strategy including surveillance, cyber operations, trade blockades, special forces actions, and precision airstrikes targeting Venezuela's leadership and military infrastructure, stopping short of a full-scale invasion. These recommendations follow President Donald Trump's authorization of several missile strikes against Venezuelan vessels suspected of drug trafficking, though critics argue these actions may violate international law and lack sufficient evidence linking the targeted boats to cartels. Trump has publicly supported aggressive naval actions against drug-smuggling operations, signaling a shift from diplomatic efforts to potentially broader military engagement. Additionally, US special forces have reportedly deployed assets like the mothership MV Ocean Trader and mini submarines in the Caribbean, preparing for possible covert strikes on Venezuelan military and energy targets. This multifaceted approach reflects a growing willingness within the Trump administration to use force to counter perceived threats from Venezuela, emphasizing a need for credible military deterrence to avoid appearing weak to adversaries.