US considers leaflet campaign in Caracas targeting Maduro: reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Nov 2025 23:23

The US is reportedly planning to drop leaflets in Caracas on Maduro’s birthday as part of a psychological pressure campaign amid growing covert operations.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro takes the oath to people joining a state-organized civilian defense network in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, November 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

The United States is reportedly weighing a psychological operation that would involve dropping leaflets over Caracas on the birthday of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in an attempt to escalate pressure on his government and prompt regime change.

According to The Washington Post, the plan includes distributing flyers featuring a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction. Maduro, who turns 63 on Sunday, has long been targeted by Washington’s regime change efforts.

Sources cited by the report said the leaflet drop date has not yet been finalized, but the operation is being considered as part of a broader strategy to weaken the Venezuelan leadership psychologically and politically.

Psychological warfare tactics mirror past US operations

The tactic of dropping leaflets is a hallmark of US psychological warfare, previously employed during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the 1989 invasion of Panama. In both cases, the US used printed material, loudspeaker messages, and other means to intimidate, mislead, or demoralize opposing forces.

Analysts suggest such a move against Venezuela would serve a similar purpose: intensifying psychological pressure on Maduro while signaling US resolve without committing to open military conflict.

US claims anti-drug efforts in Caribbean build-up

The Trump administration continues to justify its military presence in the Caribbean as part of its so-called fight against drug trafficking. In September and October, US forces carried out operations to destroy boats allegedly carrying narcotics off the Venezuelan coast.

In late September, NBC News reported that the US military was actively exploring options for striking targets linked to drug trafficking within Venezuela’s borders.

Despite the growing military and covert posture, Trump said in November that “Maduro’s days are numbered,” while also claiming that Washington had no intention of going to war with Caracas.