As F-35 stealth fighter jets fly missions from a reopened naval base in Puerto Rico and Marines practice beach landings, sources tell CBS News the Pentagon is preparing for possible military action in Venezuela. Charlie D'Agata reports.

Washington

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated as the Pentagon readies for potential military action in the South American country. U.S. forces, including F-35 jets and Marines, are conducting operations from a reopened naval base in Puerto Rico, and the USS Gerald R. Ford is set to join other warships in the region.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Cain have presented President Trump with military options, including possible strikes inside Venezuela. The operation, named Southern Spear, targets the government of President Nicolás Maduro due to suspected links to drug cartels, and the U.S. military has already destroyed several boats allegedly used for drug smuggling.

Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela are growing. Charlie Daggett reports, U.S. forces are getting ready for possible action inside the South American country. As F-35 stealth fighter jets fly missions from a reopened naval base in Puerto Rico and Marines practice beach landings, sources tell CBS News the Pentagon is preparing for military action in Venezuela. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Cain presented President Trump with options for the coming days, including strikes inside the country. The largest aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will soon join several other warships in the region. One of the stated aims, take on the government of President Nicolás Maduro because of his suspected links to the drug cartels. So far, the U.S. military has destroyed 21 boats allegedly smuggling drugs, including one just two days ago. If you're trafficking drugs to poison the American people, and we know you're from a designated terrorist organization, you're a foreign terrorist and a trafficker, we will find you and we will kill you. In Venezuela, the Maduro government is preparing for a possible invasion, state TV showing a military mobilization. On 60 Minutes, Nora O'Donnell asked Trump about Maduro's future. On Venezuela in particular, are Maduro's days as president numbered? I would say, yeah, I think so, yeah. And this issue of potential land strikes in Venezuela, is that true? I don't tell you that. I mean, I'm not saying it's true or untrue. Well, tonight, the Defense Secretary put a name to the military mission, Operation Southern Spear. The aircraft carrier Ford will join that mission early next week when it enters the waters of the Caribbean Sea.

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