LeadStory

Why is the U.S. fighting Venezuela?

Asked 2 hours ago

Answer

The US is preparing for possible military action against Venezuela, citing suspected links between the Maduro government and drug cartels. Operations include strikes on alleged drug boats and a significant military buildup in the Caribbean, officially aimed at countering narcotics trafficking. The US also labels Maduro as an illegitimate leader and cartel member, while Venezuela responds with military mobilization. International concerns focus on the legality and escalation of US actions.

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CBS News

Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela

CBS News · Just In
CBS News
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Just In
  • U.S. forces are preparing for possible military action in Venezuela, with F-35 jets and Marines conducting operations from Puerto Rico. 3s
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Cain presented President Trump with military options, including possible strikes inside Venezuela. 26s
  • The USS Gerald R. Ford will soon join other U.S. warships in the region as part of the operation. 39s
  • The operation aims to confront President Nicolás Maduro's government over suspected links to drug cartels, and the U.S. military has destroyed 21 boats allegedly smuggling drugs. 47s
  • The mission has been named Operation Southern Spear, with the aircraft carrier Ford set to enter the Caribbean Sea early next week. 1m 40s
Military & Conflict

References

Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela
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CBS News
4 hours ago
Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela

One stated aim is to confront President Nicolás Maduro's government due to suspected links to drug cartels.

Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela
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CBS News
4 hours ago
Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela

In Venezuela, the Maduro government is preparing for a possible invasion, with state TV showing military mobilization.

Defense Secretary Hegseth announces 'Operation Southern Spear'
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CBS News
5 hours ago
Defense Secretary Hegseth announces 'Operation Southern Spear'

The Pentagon states the buildup in the Caribbean is to counter drug cartels and narcotics trafficking.

Defense Secretary Hegseth announces 'Operation Southern Spear'
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CBS News
5 hours ago
Defense Secretary Hegseth announces 'Operation Southern Spear'

Strikes against alleged drug boats and the deployment of roughly 15,000 U.S. troops in the region serve as a pressure campaign against Maduro.

Largest U.S. aircraft carrier sailing to Latin America region
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CBC News
2 days ago
Largest U.S. aircraft carrier sailing to Latin America region

The Trump administration claims the operation targets drug traffickers, but Venezuela is strongly resisting.

Largest U.S. aircraft carrier sailing to Latin America region
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CBC News
2 days ago
Largest U.S. aircraft carrier sailing to Latin America region

President Trump says the strikes aim to keep Americans safe and drugs out of the country, but has also discussed possible regime change in Venezuela.

Largest U.S. aircraft carrier sailing to Latin America region
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CBC News
2 days ago
Largest U.S. aircraft carrier sailing to Latin America region

The U.S. State Department has offered a $50 million reward for Maduro, labeling him an illegitimate leader and cartel member.

Venezuela carries out military exercises amid fears of U.S. strikes
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Euronews
2 days ago
Venezuela carries out military exercises amid fears of U.S. strikes

The drills occur amid rising tensions with the U.S. after the Trump administration ordered warships to Caribbean waters near Venezuela.

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