On Saturday, officials from the Trump administration engaged in discussions regarding a potential operation to drop leaflets over Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. The aim of this operation is to exert psychological pressure on the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the U.S. seeks to weaken his hold on power. Multiple U.S. officials familiar with these talks shared insights with CBS News about the strategic maneuver, indicating that this could serve as a form of psychological warfare.
The leaflet drop operation, which has not yet received official authorization, could possibly be executed on Sunday, coinciding with Maduro's 63rd birthday. The Washington Post was the first to report on this proposed leaflet operation, highlighting the increasing tensions between the U.S. and the Maduro regime.
In recent months, the U.S. has intensified its efforts to pressure Maduro through various means. This includes a significant military buildup in the region, live fire exercises, and targeted strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. When questioned about the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to Venezuela, President Trump stated, "I don't rule out that. I don't rule out anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela."
In response to the escalating situation, Maduro expressed a willingness to engage in face-to-face discussions with President Trump. Additionally, last month, Trump confirmed that he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela, further escalating the conflict. The Pentagon has reportedly executed at least 21 strikes since early September, resulting in approximately 80 casualties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that these strikes target drug cartels, although evidence confirming that the struck vessels were indeed carrying drugs has not been provided.
Currently, there are around 15,000 U.S. troops stationed in the region. According to a Navy official, the U.S. maintains a formidable presence in the western Atlantic, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, recognized as the world's most advanced aircraft carrier, along with three guided missile destroyers. Furthermore, seven additional military ships are deployed in the Caribbean, comprising two guided missile destroyers, two guided missile cruisers, an amphibious assault ship, and two amphibious transport dock ships.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, faced severe criticism from the international community following his declaration of victory in the July 2024 presidential elections, despite evidence indicating a significant loss to the opposition candidate. This has added to the complexities of the political landscape in Venezuela and the U.S. response to the ongoing crisis.