According to US defense officials, the Pentagon is flying an increasing number of reconnaissance flights along the Venezuelan coast.
They say te flights are being carried out in international airspace,
and are intended to gather “classified intelligence” about the Maduro
government.
This comes as top US officials continue to hype the possibility of a US
invasion of Venezuela. On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence reiterated
that this remains an option that is on the table.
While the Pentagon itself says there are no specific plans yet for a
military intervention, it comes as politicians emphasize their interest
in a military intervention. Moreover, the reconnaissance clearly shows
the US is getting itself ready for such an action.
Right now the operations are likely centering on intercepting
communications, with hopes for gauging how their current campaign of
regime change against Maduro is progressing, and looking for openings in
forcing him from power. That doesn’t preclude looking for weaknesses
for an invasion.
US Military Flying More Recon Flights Over Venezuela Coast
Officials: Military gathering 'classified intelligence' about Maduro government
Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.
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