(MENAFN) The United States is reportedly exploring the possibility of assassinating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after labeling him a drug trafficker and a terrorist, according to reports citing informed sources.

In recent weeks, Washington has carried out military operations near Venezuela’s coastline, targeting what it described as “drug boats.” These strikes have reportedly killed more than two dozen individuals and have been accompanied by a noticeable expansion of the US military footprint in the area. American officials have accused Maduro of ties to drug smuggling networks — allegations the Venezuelan leader has firmly denied. Caracas, in turn, has accused Washington of attempting to overthrow its government, a charge US officials have rejected.

Although the White House has avoided openly discussing regime change in Venezuela, reports claim that President Donald Trump intends to remove Maduro from office, using his campaign against drug cartels as justification. “Would everyone like Maduro to go? Yes,” an unnamed administration official was quoted as saying.

The same official added that Trump has “many plans” available for dealing with Venezuela, including possible airstrikes against what Washington considers cartel-linked targets inside the country. However, the source emphasized that the president has not yet authorized any direct action against Maduro himself.

Another person said that such an order could come if Washington officially brands the Venezuelan leader a drug lord and terrorist, remarking, “Don’t we go after indicted narco traffickers and terrorists all the time?”

The administration insider also hinted that the US might not need to take such extreme measures, saying, “we are going to put a tremendous amount of pressure on him. He is weak. It is quite possible that he will fall from this pressure alone without us having to do anything.”

Separately, reports indicated that Caracas had offered Washington significant economic incentives during months of undisclosed negotiations meant to ease tensions. These included the possibility of granting US firms major stakes in Venezuela’s oil sector. However, Trump reportedly ended those talks after becoming “frustrated” by Maduro’s refusal to voluntarily step down from power.

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