The United States is not officially “at war” with Venezuela, but it is carrying out increasingly aggressive military and covert actions around the country. These actions are justified by Washington as a counter‑drug and security campaign, but many observers see a broader goal of pressuring or removing President Nicolás Maduro.

What the US is doing

Recent US activity includes repeated lethal airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific that Washington labels drug‑trafficking boats linked to Venezuela. There has also been a major US military buildup in the region, with warships, submarines, aircraft, and thousands of troops deployed near Venezuelan waters and airspace.

The Trump administration has also authorized covert intelligence operations in and around Venezuela. US authorities have issued aviation warnings and declared Venezuelan airspace effectively “closed” from the US side amid talk of possible strikes on targets inside the country.

Official US explanations

US officials publicly frame these moves mainly as:

• A campaign against drug cartels and trafficking networks allegedly operating from or through Venezuela.

• A response to what Washington calls Maduro’s involvement in the drug trade and a threat to US security.

The US government also argues that Maduro’s government is illegitimate and undermines democracy, citing disputed elections and repression of political opponents. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure have been layered on top of the military and covert measures.

Other suspected motives

Many analysts, human‑rights groups, and foreign officials say the counter‑drug rationale does not fully explain the scale and type of US actions.

Commonly cited underlying motives include:

• Regime change: Using pressure and the threat of force to weaken Maduro and encourage elements of the Venezuelan state or military to remove him.

• Leverage over oil and resources: Venezuela has large oil reserves, and there have been reports that Maduro offered economic concessions to the US to avoid conflict, which Washington ultimately rejected.

• Strategic signaling: Demonstrating US power in the Caribbean and sending a message to Venezuela’s allies and rivals (such as Russia) through a visible military posture.

How it is perceived in Venezuela and abroad

Maduro’s government describes US behavior as outright aggression and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Venezuelan authorities have mobilized military and militia forces and framed the situation as preparing to resist foreign intervention.

Some US allies and international organizations have expressed concern that the maritime strikes and any potential expansion onto Venezuelan territory may breach international law or amount to unlawful killings. Critics warn that escalation could trigger a wider regional crisis even if Washington does not plan a full‑scale invasion.

In short

The US is attacking targets linked to Venezuela mainly through maritime strikes and covert operations, officially in the name of fighting drugs and defending security. However, the pattern of actions and rhetoric strongly suggests an additional goal of forcing political change in Caracas and weakening Maduro’s grip on power.