Is the US Preparing for War With Venezuela?

According to multiple media outlets and the Pentagon, the US is preparing for a military conflict with socialist Venezuela and its president, Nicolas Maduro. Recently, US President Donald Trump shocked the world with his relentless campaign against drug cartels but continues to deny claims of an attack on Venezuela. "No, that's not true," he told reporters when asked about preparations for military strikes.

However, Trump's actions suggest the opposite: since September, US Army units have been deployed in the Caribbean region, mainly in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as at the Guantanamo Bay base, in small island nations, and along Venezuela's coastline. These forces include several warships, modern F-35 fighters, and MQ-9 Reaper combat drones.

"This is a show of force. Maduro must understand that the US is ready, if necessary, to start a war with Venezuela. A war in which Venezuela will certainly lose; its army is significantly weaker," stated security expert Peter Neumann, as reported by Bild.

Neumann explained that the US has previously only attacked "narco-ships" in international waters. "This is not yet a direct attack on Venezuela. The next step is the destruction of the infrastructure behind these operations. For example, the ports from which such ships depart or the military bases involved in illicit drug trafficking."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the reports of an imminent military response "fake news." This is a hint that Washington still hopes for a diplomatic solution to the conflict with the Maduro regime.