The United States is preparing potential military strikes on Venezuelan targets such as airports, naval bases and maritime facilities tied to alleged drug-trafficking networks, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The sites under consideration are described as being “within the influence of drug cartels and the Maduro regime”.
One U.S. official said that runways and ports allegedly trafficked by drug gangs have been identified as possible targets.
President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision but has already ordered increased military deployments near Venezuela, including B-1 and B-52 bombers and a carrier strike group in the Caribbean.
The plan marks a sharp escalation in the U.S. campaign against narcotics shipping corridors and raises questions about regional stability and Venezuelan sovereignty.
