The United States is preparing to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, with potential targets including the government of President Nicolas Maduro, according to U.S. officials. Following earlier U.S. warnings about security risks when flying over Venezuelan airspace, several international airlines have temporarily suspended flights involving Venezuela.

Two U.S. officials said that covert action would likely be the first step in the new push against Maduro. A senior U.S. government official said Washington is not ruling out any options, adding that "President Trump is prepared to use any form of U.S. force to stop the flow of drugs into the United States and bring all those responsible to justice." According to the two officials, the options under consideration include "overthrowing the Maduro regime."

The timing and scope of the potential operations remain unclear, and it is not known whether U.S. President Donald Trump has made a final decision. In recent weeks, the U.S. military has deployed additional forces to the Caribbean amid deteriorating relations with Venezuela.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump's decision to designate an alleged drug cartel linked by Washington to Maduro as a foreign terrorist organization opens up new tools for U.S. action. The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the "Cartel de los Soles," which the Venezuelan president denies.

Trump has said he remains open to talks with Maduro, while Maduro has repeatedly alleged that the U.S. military buildup is aimed at removing him from power.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the terrorist designation would make it a crime to provide material support to the group. Asked whether this allows the U.S. to strike Maduro's assets or infrastructure, Trump said: "It allows us to do that, but we haven't said we're going to do that."

The move comes amid a massive military buildup in the region, including the deployment of the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, at least eight additional warships, and F-35 fighter jets. U.S. forces have conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, killing at least 83 people.

Maduro has warned that Washington may use the buildup as a pretext to attempt his removal. He also accused the U.S. of intensifying rhetoric against Caracas, including allegations of drug trafficking.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently warned major airlines of heightened risks in Venezuelan airspace due to increased military activity. Venezuela's Airlines Association said six foreign carriers – Brazil's GOL, Colombia's Avianca, Chile's LATAM, Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, and Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean Airlines – suspended flights to and from Venezuela on Saturday. The length of the suspensions remains unclear.

Amid rising tensions, Maduro's government is considering alternative defense strategies in the event of a U.S. invasion, including what it calls a "prolonged resistance" approach.

In late August, Maduro urged Venezuelans to join civilian militias to defend national sovereignty. In early September, he said more than 8 million people had joined militia units or the reserves of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces. Earlier in November, he signed the "Comprehensive Defense Command Law," ordering the creation of integrated defense commands composed of civilians, military personnel and government officials to prepare for potential "armed conflict."

(With input from Reuters)