The United States is poised to launch a new phase of operations around Venezuela, according to US officials, as the Trump administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

The US accuses Maduro of running the “Cartel of the Suns” drug-trafficking organisation, and has placed a $50m bounty on his head.

More than 80 people have been killed in air strikes in the region in recent weeks, and the US has gathered its largest military presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

So, what is the US planning, and how will Venezuela respond?

The Security Brief’s Christian Fraser and Mikey Kay investigate.

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