US and Venezuela in a Tense Standoff: What's Really Going On?

President Trump has given the CIA the green light to conduct secret missions in Venezuela, sparking anger from Venezuelan President Maduro.

US Actions in the Region

• Targeted and destroyed at least five boats suspected of carrying drugs.
• Resulted in the deaths of 27 people.
• UN human rights experts have raised concerns, labeling these actions as "extrajudicial executions."

Trump's Hints at More Strikes

• Considering targeting drug cartels on land.
• Maduro is rallying his forces, ordering military exercises and mobilizing troops, police, and civilian militia.

US Military Presence

• 10,000 US forces in the Caribbean, either on ships or in Puerto Rico.
• Deployed warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets.

Complex Situation

• Trump's authorization allows the CIA to act independently or as part of broader US military operations.
• Maduro's legitimacy is widely contested.
• US has put a $50 million bounty on Maduro's head.

High Stakes

• Both sides are digging in their heels.
• The situation is escalating.
• A tense standoff with no clear resolution in sight.

What's Really Going On?

• A mix of politics, power, and the struggle for control.