The U.S. military is increasing its presence in the Caribbean as part of an effort to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resign or be captured. U.S. officials are reportedly focusing on removing the top 25 to 50 members of the Chavista government. Former President Donald Trump has offered a $50 million bounty for Maduro"s capture. Opposition figures in Venezuela view U.S. military action as a potential pathway to install leaders such as María Corina Machado.
Images released by U.S. Southern Command show U.S. Marine Corps F-35 aircraft currently stationed in Puerto Rico as part of this military build-up.
For further context on related political movements, see our coverage of the recent developments in Washington, D.C.
