Mike Baker

Inside the administration, advisers are said to be split.

Some argue that a targeted strike campaign, similar to the early phases of U.S.

operations in Syria and Libya, could decapitate cartel infrastructure, weaken Maduro, and force a negotiated transition of power.

Others warn that even limited action risks pulling the U.S.

into a deeper regional conflict, especially if Russian or Iranian personnel are present at Venezuelan sites.

There are also concerns about intelligence gaps.

The Cartel of the Sons is deeply embedded in Venezuela's security forces, and officials acknowledge that strikes on the wrong facility could kill civilians, triggering the kind of international backlash that the administration is eager to avoid.

For now, it appears Operation Southern Spear will remain focused on maritime interdictions and aerial patrols.

But the updated military options on the president's desk now suggest that Washington is at least considering expanding their operations.

And that, my friends, is the PDB Afternoon Bulletin for Friday, the 14th of November.

Now, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdbatthefirsttv.com.

And I would be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention that the latest episode of our weekend show, the PDB Situation Report, will be hitting the airwaves this evening at 10 p.m.

on The First TV.

You can also catch it and past episodes on our rather amazing YouTube channel.

Check that out on YouTube, of course, at President's Daily Brief.

as well as on your favorite podcast platforms.

I'm Mike Baker, and I'll be back over the weekend with the PDB Situation Report.

Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.

Hey, Mike Baker here.

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