U.S. special forces have been deployed to the Caribbean using Osprey and C-17 transport aircraft, an action analysts see as the beginning of a critical phase heading toward military action against the Venezuelan regime. This development has provoked a strong reaction from President Maduro's government.

Reports indicate that the U.S. is intensifying pressure on Venezuela, with new American forces, including special operations units, being stationed in the Caribbean. According to the Wall Street Journal, ten CV-22 Osprey aircraft designed for special operations flew from Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico to the Caribbean.

C-17 transport planes from Fort Stewart and Fort Campbell also arrived in Puerto Rico. An American official confirmed that these aircraft were carrying troops and military equipment, but did not disclose specifics about the deployed units.

Cannon Air Force Base is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing, while Fort Campbell hosts the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the 101st Airborne Division. Fort Stewart is the base for the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Members of these units are trained for high-risk infiltration and rescue missions, close air support, and securing airports.

David Deptula, a retired commander and director of the Mitchell Institute for Space Studies, noted that the deployment of special operations units indicates that the Trump administration has set its course of action against Venezuela.

U.S. Southern Command leaders have refrained from providing details about troop movements, emphasizing that the transfer of equipment and personnel between military facilities is routine and operational details remain undisclosed for security reasons.

On December 12, Trump stated at the White House that ground operations would soon begin, asserting that they are much easier to conduct. He also mentioned in a recent NBC interview that he does not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela. Conversely, the Venezuelan government has characterized U.S. actions as attempts to overthrow Maduro's regime.