United States President Donald Trump has received a critical briefing from his top national security advisors on potential military operations inside Venezuela. This development, confirmed by multiple sources to CNN, signals a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis involving the South American nation.
Details of the Military Briefing
The briefing, which took place this week, presented President Trump with an updated set of military options. These options were prepared by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) as part of an operation code-named "SOUTHERN SPEAR." The presentation was led by key officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
It is important to note that sources indicated this briefing does not necessarily mean the President is moving closer to authorizing a large-scale military campaign. Trump has previously expressed caution about using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, worrying about potential failure and risks to US troops.
The options presented to the President are wide-ranging and could include:
- Air strikes on military or government facilities.
- Targeting drug trafficking routes.
- A more direct attempt to remove Maduro from power.
Operation Southern Spear Formalized
This high-level briefing coincides with the formal announcement of Operation Southern Spear. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the mission on X, stating it will be led by a Joint Task Force and SOUTHCOM. The stated goals are to "defend our Homeland, remove narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secure our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people."
This announcement officially puts a name to the ongoing US campaign of military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. This campaign has reportedly caused numerous fatalities since it began in September 2025.
Global Reactions and Escalating Tensions
The situation is rapidly escalating. A massive US naval presence is building in the Caribbean region, highlighted by the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group. This is one of the largest and most modern naval groups in the world, equipped with an estimated 170 Tomahawk missiles, a move experts see as a major provocation.
In response, the Maduro regime has ordered a "massive deployment" of its own forces. Venezuela has placed its entire military arsenal on full operational readiness and announced a state of maximum alert.
Internationally, the US actions are facing scrutiny. International law experts and allies like France have questioned the legality of US strikes on vessels in international waters. Critics suggest the anti-drug campaign is a cover for a broader goal of regime change.
The current military posturing and rhetoric appear designed to pressure Maduro, potentially to seek exile or to encourage a military coup against him. The future of this crisis will heavily depend on the progress of Operation Southern Spear and Maduro's counter-moves in the coming weeks.
