The United States increased pressure on Venezuela over the weekend, saying it will designate Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization — a move President Donald Trump suggested could allow the US to target certain assets and infrastructure in the country.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has doubled down on calls for peace as U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly mulls over options for military operations inside the country and places an enormous amount of firepower close to Venezuela's coast.

Three people were killed, according to the military's announcement, which didn't provide evidence that the boat was transporting drugs.

"I can’t tell you what it would be, but I’ve sort of made up my mind," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Nov. 14.

Venezuela is sending troops to counter a U.S. warship buildup in the Caribbean, as Nicolás Maduro accuses Washington of plotting regime change.

The U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier has arrived in the Latin American region, capping a months-long build-up.