Is the U.S. invading Venezuela? Or trying to make a deal?

Thousands of U.S. troops and warships now mass off Venezuela’s coast in the largest Caribbean military buildup since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The administration designated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a terrorist and is weighing military options, but experts question whether it’s threatening invasion or pressuring negotiations.

Venezuela’s government denies the terrorist claim and accuses the U.S. of planning illegitimate regime change.

CARACAS, Venezuela — On the face of it, the United States appears closer than ever to mounting a military campaign to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela.

President Trump says he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside the Caribbean nation, and has massed troops, fighter jets and warships just off its coa