The United States is considering military action against alleged “cocaine facilities” and other targets related to drug-trafficking in Venezuela, according to a report by CNN. President Donald Trump has not ruled out diplomacy with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite earlier reports of a complete breakdown in dialogue. However, US officials believe that a counter-narcotics campaign inside Venezuela could increase pressure for regime change in Caracas.

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing proposals for strikes against targets inside Venezuela, with a focus on “going after the drugs” in the country. This comes after US forces carried out several strikes on suspected drug-running boats linked to Venezuela, resulting in dozens of deaths. Trump has confirmed that he authorized CIA operations inside Venezuela and has hinted at expanding the maritime anti-drug campaign to land.

The deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean is also seen as a move to support the anti-drug campaign. Maduro has denied any links between his government and drug trafficking, suggesting that the US is using the allegations as a pretext for regime change. He has accused the US of seeking “a new eternal war” following the deployment of the aircraft carrier.

The situation in Venezuela has been tense in recent months, with the US imposing sanctions on the country and recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president. The US has also been increasing its military presence in the region, with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford being the latest move.

The potential military action against Venezuela has significant implications for the region and the world. It could lead to an escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela, as well as with other countries in the region. The US has been seeking to increase pressure on Maduro’s government, which has been accused of human rights abuses and economic mismanagement.

The US has been using a combination of diplomatic and economic pressure to try to force Maduro out of power. However, the Venezuelan president has so far refused to step down, and the situation remains unresolved. The potential military action against Venezuela is seen as a significant escalation of the crisis, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.