The approach, a tacit admission of Nicolas Maduro's debilitated military, comes after Trump threatened a ground operation in the South American country.

The approach, a tacit admission of Nicolas Maduro's debilitated military, comes after Trump threatened a ground operation in the South American country.

Arrival of US aircraft carrier off Latin America fuels speculation that US could try to overthrow Venezuelan government.

President Nicolás Maduro announced activation of a "higher phase" of the Independence Plan 200, a program of joint civilian-military exercises.

Venezuela's military is unlikely to be able to match US aggression. But President Maduro has other options, say experts.