In a significant development that marks an escalation of American involvement in South America, President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. This authorization comes amid growing tensions between the two nations and follows several US military strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters.
The United States military has already executed five maritime operations in recent weeks, resulting in 27 casualties. These actions, characterized by United Nations human rights experts as “extrajudicial executions,” represent a marked intensification of American anti-drug trafficking efforts in the region.
Speaking from the White House Oval Office, President Trump articulated two primary justifications for the authorization: addressing concerns about released prisoners and combating drug trafficking. “Venezuela has emptied their prisons into the United States of America,” the President stated, adding that Venezuelan drug trafficking through maritime routes has become a significant concern.
The American military presence in the Caribbean has expanded considerably, with approximately 10,000 US personnel stationed either on naval vessels or in Puerto Rico. This build-up has prompted concern in Caracas about potential military action.
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, whose presidency remains disputed following contested elections, responded with a direct appeal to the American public, calling for peace rather than conflict. The Venezuelan government’s legitimacy continues to be questioned by numerous international observers and governments.
The most recent US operation, conducted on Tuesday, resulted in six fatalities when American forces targeted a vessel near the Venezuelan coastline. The US government maintains that intelligence confirmed the vessel’s involvement in narcotics trafficking, though specific details about the operation and those aboard remain classified.
This authorization of CIA operations represents an unusual public acknowledgment of covert capabilities, as such activities typically remain undisclosed. The scope and nature of potential CIA operations within Venezuela remain unclear, though the agency has an extensive history of involvement in South American affairs.
The US State Department currently offers a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, though President Trump declined to specify whether regime change factors into the CIA’s operational objectives.
While Venezuela’s role in regional drug trafficking is considered relatively minor by intelligence analysts, the Trump administration’s actions suggest a broader strategic approach to addressing both security and political concerns in the region.
These developments mark a significant shift in American policy toward Venezuela and raise important questions about the future of US involvement in South American affairs. As tensions continue to mount, the international community watches closely for signs of further escalation between these two nations.
