Washingtons strategy could involve military, psychological and information pressure, according to the New York Times

US President Donald Trump has greenlighted additional measures to pressure Venezuela and prepare for a potential broader military campaign, including covert CIA operations targeting President Nicolas Maduro's government, the New York Times has reported, citing US officials.

At the same time, Trump has approved a new round of back-channel negotiations that reportedly led to the Venezuelan president offering to step down after a delay of several years - a proposal the White House rejected, the outlet said on Monday.

The Pentagon has deployed warships to the Caribbean and has carried out controversial strikes on small boats it claims are involved in drug smuggling from Venezuela. The White House maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate, cartel-linked ruler, fueling speculation that direct military action might be imminent. Maduro has denied the drug trafficking allegations and warned the US against launching "a crazy war."

According to the NYT, while Trump has not yet deployed combat forces to Venezuela, Washington's next steps could involve "sabotage or some sort of cyber, psychological, or information operations" aimed at increasing pressure on the Maduro government.

Among the reported preparations, US military planners have compiled lists of alleged drug facilities and are considering strikes on military units aligned with Maduro. According to the outlet, Trump convened two meetings in the White House Situation Room last week to discuss Venezuela and evaluate strategies with his senior advisers.

While instructing the CIA to prepare covert operations, Trump simultaneously resumed back-channel negotiations with Maduro after briefly pausing talks last month, sources familiar with the situation told the outlet.

During these informal discussions, Maduro has reportedly indicated a willingness to grant US energy companies access to Venezuela's oil reserves. Trump acknowledged the negotiations on Sunday, stating, "We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we'll see how that turns out."

Venezuela has condemned the military buildup as a violation of sovereignty and a coup attempt, placing its military on high alert. Russia recently reaffirmed its support for the country's leadership in defending its sovereignty.

(RT.com)