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The conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela has moved from economic warfare to the brink of military engagement. The US is openly discussing ground strikes and has authorized secret CIA operations to pressure the Nicolás Maduro regime. Framed as a campaign against narcoterrorism, the crisis is rooted in
the Unites States’ goals for regime change and countering the influence of rivals over Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
The US has deployed a massive naval force, including eight warships, a submarine, and B-52 bombers, near Venezuela, marking the largest buildup in decades. This aggressive posture, while officially a counternarcotics operation, is seen by Caracas as an invasion threat.
This escalation led to violent incidents: US naval assets have carried out kinetic strikes to sink Venezuelan vessels suspected of drug trafficking, causing casualties. Maduro's government responded by deploying its armed forces and mobilizing millions of civilian militia forces, preparing for defense and increasing the risk of miscalculation.
The US strategy aims to dismantle the regime both financially and internally. Since deeming the 2018 election illegitimate, Washington has imposed crippling economic sanctions on the crucial oil sector, resulting in a catastrophic 90% drop in GDP and fueling a massive emigration crisis.
The authorization of CIA covert operations, potentially including lethal action against key regime figures, signifies a dangerous escalation. This shift attempts to force an internal collapse by capitalizing on the regime's unpopularity. While the US temporarily eased sanctions for political concessions, the core military and covert pressure remains high.
The Venezuelan crisis is a major geopolitical proxy battle where the US challenges the influence of rivals. Maduro relies on deep military and economic ties with Russia, China, and Iran to withstand the sanctions and US pressure. For Moscow and Beijing, support for Maduro provides a valuable counter-pressure point against US global interests.
The immense oil wealth is a strategic prize. The US seeks to ensure this resource is managed by a friendly, democratic government. The intensified military threats are a forceful message to adversaries about the limits of their cooperation with hostile states in the US sphere of influence.
The US-Venezuela confrontation is now at its most critical point. The US strategy—combining sanctions, direct naval aggression, and the threat of ground operations— is a high-risk gamble to compel Maduro's swift departure. The military option risks creating a Libya- or Iraq-style chaotic vacuum. The current military mobilization in the Caribbean has created a volatile tinderbox, and the world waits to see whether the next move will be diplomatic de-escalation or military fire.
By Staff Reporter Kim Yewon (1-2)
