【By Observer News, Wang Kaiwen】Tensions between the United States and Venezuela continue to escalate, with the Trump administration increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Maduro. At the same time, as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety warning about the region, several airlines have begun canceling flights to and from Venezuela.
Reuters reported on November 22, citing four U.S. officials, that the United States plans to launch a new round of actions related to Venezuela in the coming days, with options under consideration including overthrowing Maduro.
The report said it is unclear when or how large the next action will be, nor is it clear whether Trump has made a final decision. In recent weeks, as U.S. troops have gathered in the Caribbean, reports of potential military action against Venezuela have increased.
A senior U.S. government official stated on the 22nd that all possibilities are not ruled out regarding the issue of Venezuela. "President Trump is prepared to use all U.S. forces to prevent drugs from flowing into our country and to bring those responsible to justice," the official said.
These anonymous U.S. officials revealed that the new action against Maduro is likely to be a secret operation, and options under consideration include overthrowing Maduro.
On the evening of November 23, Maduro will turn 63 years old. The Washington Post cited informed sources on the 22nd, saying that the White House recently proposed using U.S. military aircraft to drop leaflets over Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, conducting psychological warfare, thereby further pressuring Maduro.
Informed sources revealed that the timing for dropping leaflets may be scheduled on Maduro's birthday. The leaflets will contain information offering a $50 million reward for capturing Maduro.
On November 15, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela, Maduro waved the national flag during a parade to swear in members of the Bolivar grassroots committee. East China Image Collection
The Financial Times reported on the 22nd that as the U.S. threat intensifies, Maduro has recently strengthened his personal security measures. His recent public appearances—including a rally in Caracas over the weekend and an activity with grassroots supporters on the 19th—were announced at the last minute, and Maduro appeared alongside lower-level party members.
The report said that previously, Maduro's public speeches were usually announced in advance, and he also appeared with high-ranking officials from the government and military. However, in recent times, these high-ranking figures have been absent from public events to avoid becoming targets of attacks together.
The U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean has been ongoing for months, with Trump repeatedly threatening to take military action against Venezuela. He also authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
On November 16, the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, led a carrier strike group into the Caribbean Sea, where it joined at least seven other warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 fighters.
Additionally, U.S. officials revealed that the United States plans to designate the "Sun Cartel" (Cartel de los Soles) in Venezuela as a foreign terrorist organization on November 24. The Trump administration accuses it of involvement in smuggling illegal drugs to the United States and claims that Maduro leads the group, but Maduro denies this.
U.S. Defense Secretary Esper said last week that designating the Sun Cartel as a terrorist organization gives the Pentagon "a whole bunch of new options." Trump had said this would allow the United States to target Maduro's assets and a range of infrastructure in Venezuela, but Trump also said he is willing to seek a diplomatic solution through negotiations.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that there are indeed dialogues between Washington and Caracas, but it is unclear whether these dialogues will affect the timing or scale of U.S. actions.
Reuters pointed out that although the U.S. claims its activities in the Caribbean focus on combating drug trafficking, the firepower assembled has far exceeded what is needed for that mission. According to statistics, since September this year, the U.S. military has launched at least 21 strikes against ships suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, resulting in at least 83 deaths.
Human rights organizations have condemned these attacks as illegal killings of civilians, and some of America's allies are increasingly concerned that Washington may be violating international law.
On the other hand, the U.S. military presence makes the poorly trained and outdated Venezuelan military look inadequate. Reuters previously reported that due to insufficient government supplies, some Venezuelan military commanders have had to negotiate with local food producers to ensure the army's food supply. This has prompted the Maduro government to consider alternative strategies to counter a possible U.S. invasion, including adopting a "guerrilla warfare" approach.
As U.S. military activity near Venezuela's waters increases, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety warning to major airlines on November 21, stating that "the security situation in Venezuela and its surrounding areas has deteriorated, with increased military activity," and that flying over the area poses "potential dangerous situations."
Subsequently, Brazilian Gol Airlines, Colombian Avianca Airlines, and TAP Portugal Airlines canceled flights departing from Venezuela on the 22nd.
The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority stated in a statement that due to worsening security conditions in the Maiquetia area and increased military activity, flying in the area carries "potential risks."
Spain's Iberia Airlines also said it will cancel flights to Caracas starting Monday until further notice.
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