U.S. officials are considering drone strikes on drug targets inside Venezuela, though President Trump has not yet approved military action.
WASHINGTON — The United States is preparing options for military strikes inside Venezuela against alleged drug traffickers, though President Donald Trump has not yet authorized any action, four sources told NBC News.
The plans under discussion include drone strikes targeting drug cartel leaders and laboratories, according to two U.S. officials and two other sources familiar with the talks. They requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss classified planning.
“Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. It’s not acceptable,” Trump said earlier, in comments the White House referred to when asked for response. The Pentagon declined comment.
U.S. forces have already struck at least three Venezuela-linked boats in the Caribbean, but officials acknowledged they have faced criticism for limited evidence of drugs on board. The recent escalation comes amid frustration in Washington that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has not curtailed trafficking operations.
Talks are reportedly ongoing through Middle Eastern intermediaries, with Maduro signaling possible concessions to stay in power.
Analysts warn strikes on Venezuelan soil could trigger diplomatic fallout and unify support for Maduro domestically.