The U.S. is preparing contingency plans for strikes on drug targets inside Venezuela, a notable escalation under active consideration but not yet approved by the president. The prospective operations, which could involve drones against traffickers and suspected labs, come after recent U.S. attacks that sank multiple boats near Venezuela and killed those aboard, intensifying a legal and diplomatic clash with Caracas.

Plans Under Review and Timeline

Officials are evaluating strike options that could be executed within weeks, though no final authorization has been given. The concept includes drone operations on traffickers and facilities tied to narcotics production, reflecting a shift from maritime interdictions to potential inland action. The administration argues the effort targets flows it deems intolerable, reiterating it is “not acceptable” for Venezuela to be sending gangs and drugs north.

Escalation After Boat Strikes

Planning accelerated after U.S. forces destroyed at least three small boats off Venezuela in recent weeks, incidents that left multiple people dead and drew criticism as unlawful killings. In a U.N. week speech, the president warned traffickers the U.S. would “blow [them] out of existence,” underscoring a hard-line posture. Independent tallies say at least 17 people have been killed across the three maritime strikes so far.

Caracas Response and Legal Questions

Venezuela’s leadership labels the campaign an attack on sovereignty and a pretext for “criminal” aggression, while signaling openness to direct talks through a U.S. envoy. Legal scholars note cross-border counter-narcotics strikes raise thorny issues under international law, echoing past regional crises over extraterritorial force. Regional observers warn further escalation—at sea or on land—could heighten risks to civilians and widen a confrontation neither side publicly says it seeks.