To weaken the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the United States will most likely conduct kinetic attacks on cartel sites in Venezuela over the next three to six months, while a scenario where Washington only sustains its current strikes on drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea is less likely. Other scenarios -- including de-escalation, a U.S. operation targeting Maduro, a negotiated solution or a U.S. military invasion of Venezuela -- are highly unlikely to occur. On Oct. 15, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he had authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela. He also said he was considering anti-drug trafficking operations on land, in addition to the ongoing U.S. strikes in the southern Caribbean Sea that have targeted at least five boats since early September. The statements, military attacks and drills near Venezuela come after the United States deployed eight warships and 4,500 sailors and marines...
