The operation marks a sharp escalation in the Trump administration’s regional counter-narcotics strategy and its pressure campaign to dismantle what U.S. officials describe as a narco-state in Caracas.

“Maduro’s Time Is Running Out”

Sources told the Herald that the strikes will aim to decapitate the cartel’s leadership, targeting key facilities used by regime-linked traffickers.

While officials declined to confirm whether Maduro himself is a target, one source said the president is “about to find himself trapped,” adding that several generals are prepared to hand him over.

Expanded Military Presence in the Caribbean

The U.S. has assembled a Joint Task Force in the southern Caribbean Sea, initially composed of three Arleigh Burke–class destroyers, an amphibious group of 4,500 troops, and P-8 reconnaissance aircraft for maritime patrols.

In September, the force was reinforced with 10 F-35B fighters based in Puerto Rico and MQ-9 Reaper drones stationed at Rafael Hernández Airport.

USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group Deployed

On October 24, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group — including the USS Normandy, USS Carney, and other destroyers — into the region.

The deployment, totaling more than 4,000 personnel and 90 aircraft, is described by Venezuelan officers as the “final phase” of a campaign to neutralize the Cartel de los Soles and its ally, Tren de Aragua.

$50 Million Bounty on Maduro

Washington has doubled its reward for Maduro’s capture to $50 million, calling him “one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the goal is to tighten the net around the regime, whose senior figures — including Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino López — face U.S. drug-trafficking charges.

Airstrikes Over Invasion

Analysts cited by the Herald say the current force posture is suited for precision air and missile strikes, not a ground invasion.

Former U.S. envoy Elliott Abrams noted that Trump favors short, targeted operations like the 2020 strike on Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, avoiding long-term conflicts.