(MENAFN) The growing US military presence off Venezuela’s coast could pave the way for regime change, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate signaled earlier this year that she would welcome US strikes on Venezuela if they help remove President Nicolas Maduro.

Washington has accused Maduro of links to drug cartels, labeling him a “narcoterrorist.” Earlier in 2025, US President Donald Trump deployed a naval armada to the western Caribbean, and since September, US forces have targeted alleged drug-smuggling vessels near Venezuelan waters.

Reports indicate that Washington is expanding its naval operations, with analysts suggesting the mission could go beyond counter-narcotics. Trump has denied planning direct strikes inside Venezuela but reportedly reviewed a list of potential targets.

When asked on weekly podcast whether she supports US military action, Machado said, “I believe the escalation that’s taking place is the only way to force Maduro to understand that it’s time to go.”

She also alleged that Maduro “illegally” seized power in last year’s election, from which she was barred, and claimed that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won. Machado argued that removing Maduro would not constitute “regime change in the conventional way,” since he is “not the legitimate president” but “the head of a narcoterrorist structure.”

“This is not regime change, this is enforcing the will of the Venezuelan people,” she emphasized.

Maduro, in turn, has accused Machado of channeling US funds to “fascist” anti-government groups, portraying her as a front for Washington’s interference. Machado has maintained ties with the US government for decades, including a 2005 Oval Office visit with then-President George W. Bush.

Asked if US military force is the only path to oust Maduro, Machado suggested that the threat alone could suffice: “It was absolutely indispensable to have a credible threat.” She added that the Venezuelan opposition is “ready to take over government,” supported by the military and police, claiming “more than 80% of them are joining and will be part of this orderly transition as soon as it starts.”

The Washington Post reports that Venezuela is seeking military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran. Maduro has denied US drug-trafficking allegations, accusing Trump of “fabricating a new war.” Caracas has called US operations a violation of sovereignty and a coup attempt.

Russia, which signed a strategic partnership treaty with Venezuela on Monday, condemned the US campaign, signaling growing geopolitical tension in the region.

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