PNN – The United States has developed phased plans for military intervention in Venezuela, while Caracas has also prepared special strategies to counter any U.S. military action.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing Al Jazeera, rising tensions between Washington and Caracas indicate that both sides are entering a new phase of confrontation on security, military, and economic fronts, and the conflicting calculations of the two governments are making the situation more complicated.
U.S. officials have stated that Washington is determined to use a wider range of tools to expand its aggression against Venezuela under the pretext of stopping drug trafficking into American territory. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s comments about his country’s ability to resist pressure and potential U.S. operations have further raised the level of tension.
The first scenario involves security, intelligence, and special operations inside Venezuela. Reuters, quoting American officials, reported that operations against Venezuela have entered a new phase with different tactics. At the forefront of these actions is the expansion of covert and security operations led by the CIA. The U.S. is seeking to achieve its primary goal of toppling Maduro.
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The second scenario is the possibility of ground assaults inside Venezuela following strikes on vessels. These operations may include airstrikes on military positions or critical infrastructure. In this scenario, the military intervention would likely remain limited, paving the way for an airborne operation, with U.S. security services providing intelligence and operational support to ensure its success.
The third scenario centers on increasing economic pressure through continued sanctions and classifying Venezuela’s economic activities under terrorism-linked categories. Under this plan, Washington aims to weaken Venezuela’s national assets and damage the country’s main economic pillars.
A diplomatic option also remains on the table, as U.S. officials have acknowledged that direct talks with Caracas are underway—an approach that could potentially prevent a major or prolonged military confrontation between the two sides.
Caracas’ options for confronting U.S. operations
Venezuela has multiple plans to counter Washington’s scenarios. At the top of the list is adopting a “guerrilla warfare” strategy, which involves deploying small military units in long-term resistance operations.
Venezuelan security sources say around 60,000 members of the army and national guard are ready for a prolonged conflict. Maduro has also said that, if necessary, eight million civilians will be trained to defend the country.
The Caracas government is also relying on a strategy that integrates its intelligence services and armed groups loyal to the ruling party into any potential confrontation with the U.S. This comprehensive mechanism would complicate any foreign intervention and severely disrupt the battlefield.
Security sources estimate that between 5,000 and 7,000 intelligence personnel and pro-government fighters would participate in this scenario. Caracas sees this strategy as a way to strengthen its internal front against any foreign infiltration or destabilization attempt.
While the U.S. is counting on weakening Venezuela’s military capabilities and a lack of support for the government within security institutions, Caracas views long-term resistance as the option that will raise the cost of any foreign intervention and make it far more difficult.