Oil Spikes On Reports US Military Attacks On Venezuela Imminent, Just 'Hours' Or 'Days' Away

Reports indicate that the Trump administration has decided to attack military installations in Venezuela. The planned strikes aim to dismantle drug trafficking operations, specifically targeting installations used by the Soles drug cartel, allegedly led by Nicolas Maduro. The US military has significantly built up its presence in the South Caribbean, including redeploying the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group. Sources suggest the attacks could happen "hours" or "days" aiming to decapitate the cartel's hierarchy, potentially including Maduro himself. The US believes the cartel exports substantial amounts of cocaine to Europe and the United States. A pro-US opposition leader, potentially Maria Corina Machado, may be installed post-attack. Oil prices have increased following these war headlines, Venezuela having the world's largest crude oil reserves. Prior US operations in the region have involved destroying suspected smuggling boats. Questions have been raised about the identities of those targeted in previous operations, despite being labeled high-value narco-terrorists.