US reportedly preparing for military strikes on drug targets inside Venezuela

U.S. military officials are weighing options to target drug traffickers inside Venezuela, with potential strikes on sites in the country possible within weeks, NBC News reported.

Why it matters
Over the past month, U.S. forces have struck three Venezuelan boats, which President Donald Trump said were identified as carrying narcotics and linked to trafficking operations, making them “legitimate targets” in his administration’s fight against cartels.

Trump has increased the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean as part of a more direct approach to combating drug smuggling. The escalation has heightened tensions with Caracas and raised the possibility of open confrontation between the two nations.

The administration has not provided evidence that drugs were found on the boats. Human Rights Watch has criticized the actions, calling the strikes “extrajudicial killings.” The first attack killed 11 people, the second three, and the toll from the third has not been confirmed.

What to know
According to NBC, four sources familiar with the discussions said further action is under consideration. Any strikes inside Venezuela would mark a new escalation in the Trump administration’s posture toward the Maduro government.

The sources said operations could begin in the coming weeks, though the president has not signed off. Possible targets include suspected traffickers and their leadership, as well as drug production sites, with drone strikes among the options under review.