That's what it's about

A US attack on Venezuela appears to be imminent. US officials confirm plans for military strikes. The US has significantly increased pressure on Venezuela. A $50 million bounty has been placed on President Maduro.

After the US steadily intensified its threats against Venezuela in recent days, a large-scale attack on the South American country could occur at any moment, according to US officials familiar with the situation, speaking to the Miami Herald.

The decision to attack various military bases in the country has reportedly already been made. The US Air Force and Navy could launch their first airstrikes within the next few hours or days. Key locations of drug cartels operating in the country are also said to be targets.

Maduro also a target?

It is unclear whether the US attacks will also target Venezuelan President Maduro. Most recently, the Trump administration apparently attempted to bribe Maduro's private pilot, but the plan failed.

Furthermore, the Trump administration has increased the reward for Maduro's arrest to $50 million, a new record sum. A $25 million reward has been offered for the capture of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who, according to US intelligence, is allegedly running the operations of drug cartels active in Venezuela.

Elected president in 2013, Maduro has ruled the country with an iron fist as a de facto dictator ever since. The United Nations accuses the 62-year-old of crimes against humanity. Maduro drew Donald Trump's ire primarily because of Venezuela's key role in the international drug trade.