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U.S. President Donald Trump has increased the pressure on Venezuela, with U.S. military units, including special operations planes, reportedly strengthened in the Caribbean area.

As per a report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing an insider on the 23rd, at least 10 CV-22 Osprey aircraft utilized by special operations units were deployed from Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico to the Caribbean area the night before. Additionally, C-17 cargo planes that left from Fort Stewart and Fort Campbell Army bases also reached Puerto Rico the day prior.

A different U.S. representative verified that the planes were actually carrying military personnel and gear but did not mention the specific units involved.

Cannon Air Force Base is the location of the 27th Special Operations Squadron, whereas Fort Campbell is home to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the 101st Airborne Division. Fort Stewart serves as the base for the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. The 27th Special Operations Squadron and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment are prepared to assist with high-risk insertion and retrieval operations, along with offering close-air and combat support. Army Rangers are trained to secure airfields and offer protection for special operations units such as SEAL Team 6 or Delta Force during targeted kill or capture missions.

In this context, David Deptula, a retired Air Force Lieutenant General and director of the Mitchell Institute for Air and Space Studies (MIAS), told the WSJ, “They are positioning forces to take action.” He mentioned that the deployment of special operations units indicates the Trump administration has already chosen a path of action against Venezuela, noting, “The only remaining question is what they hope to accomplish.”

The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for the Latin America area, refused to give details about the troop movements. A spokesperson from the Southern Command stated, “Regular rotation of equipment and personnel to any military base is normal procedure. Because of operational security issues, we do not reveal or comment on information about the movement or activities of U.S. assets or personnel, nor do we share specific operational or route details.”

The administration of Donald Trump has increased its pressure on Venezuela. After the sinking of drug trafficking ships in the Caribbean, it has started seizing oil tankers to prevent crude exports, a major income source for President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

President Trump has also suggested the potential for ground actions against Venezuela. On the 12th, during a press conference in the Oval Office, he mentioned, “We will now start ground operations. Ground operations are much simpler. Operations will soon take place.” On the 18th, in a special phone interview with NBC News, he indicated he would “not exclude” the possibility of conflict with Venezuela when questioned about it.

Venezuela has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s claimed efforts to remove Maduro’s government.