Trump Administration Weighs Leaflet Drop Targeting Maduro

UPDATE: The Trump administration is reportedly considering a dramatic psychological operation in Venezuela, just as President Nicolas Maduro prepares to celebrate his 63rd birthday on November 23, 2023. Officials have discussed the potential of dropping leaflets that could announce a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest on charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.

While the operation has not yet been authorized, sources told the Washington Post and confirmed by CBS News that this tactic would mark a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to dismantle Maduro’s regime. These leaflets could serve as a potent message amid heightened military activities in the region, including strikes on alleged drug boats.

This revelation comes as the Trump administration ramps up military pressure against Maduro, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth frequently publicizing such operations on social media. The intention to drop leaflets aligns with historical U.S. military practices, previously employed during conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The potential leaflet drop coincides with Trump’s authorization for the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela. In recent communications, Trump notified Congress of ongoing conflicts with drug cartels, hinting at possible strikes within Venezuelan territory to weaken Maduro’s administration.

As tensions rise, concerns about the risk of escalating conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as Colombia, have emerged. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) filed a bipartisan bill last month aimed at preventing the Trump administration from engaging in a full-scale war with Venezuela, reinforcing that only Congress has the authority to declare war.

The operations against drug boats have drawn condemnation from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, which stated that such strikes violate international law and could be classified as extrajudicial killings.

What happens next remains to be seen, as the administration’s plans could shift rapidly in response to domestic and international pressures. The world is watching as the U.S. navigates its complex relationship with Venezuela and the implications of these military strategies.

This developing situation is likely to have significant ramifications for U.S.-Venezuelan relations and could impact regional stability. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.