The United States has intensified its military pressure on Venezuela, with the recent announcement of a ground strike targeting a port facility linked to the Tren de Aragua street gang. This marks a significant escalation in a campaign that has already seen airstrikes and naval deployments since August, aimed at destabilizing Nicolás Maduro's regime. The Venezuelan government has remained silent on these developments as the situation unfolds.

US Military Campaign Against Venezuela
The US military's actions against Venezuela have reportedly included airstrikes that have resulted in over 100 casualties and a comprehensive blockade of sanctioned oil tankers. The recent drone strike, confirmed by CNN and the New York Times, is said to have targeted a facility used by the Tren de Aragua gang, although details such as the exact date and location remain undisclosed. Analysts suggest that the US is carefully avoiding the term "war" to evade congressional oversight, despite the evident military engagement.

Maduro's Resilience
Nicolás Maduro continues to cling to power amid the escalating US military actions. Experts indicate that his government is primarily focused on survival, with Maduro's inner circle likely aware of the precariousness of their position. Alejandro Velasco, a historian, noted that the ongoing conflict is as much about Maduro's struggle to maintain control as it is about US efforts to instigate a regime change.

Strategic Moves and Psyops
The US strategy appears to rely on psychological operations aimed at encouraging defections within Maduro's government. Christopher Sabatini from Chatham House emphasized that the US has not yet engaged in a full-scale military confrontation, opting instead for calculated moves to destabilize the regime. The hope is that internal dissent will lead to a shift in power dynamics.

Expert Opinions on Drug Trafficking
Despite claims that the military actions are part of a broader "war on drugs," experts like Andrés Antillano argue that Venezuela's role in global cocaine trafficking is relatively minor. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the US campaign and whether it will achieve its intended goals.

Wrap-up
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid as the US continues its military pressure on Maduro's regime. With the potential for further escalation, the international community watches closely to see how these developments will unfold and what impact they may have on the region.

Sources
theguardian.com
cnn.com
nytimes.com
chathamhouse.org

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team