The Trump Administration launched Operation Southern Spear against Venezuela, with a strong naval and aerial deployment, initially to combat drug trafficking but with greater political objectives such as pressuring Maduro. Rubio leads the policy towards Venezuela, pushing for sanctions and designating the Cartel of the Sun as a terrorist. Washington seeks to influence Latin America, isolating Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Although they seek to force Maduro’s exit, uncertainties persist about the country’s future and the role of Russia and China.