US President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, a move that has sparked anger from the South American nation’s leadership. In recent weeks, US forces have launched at least five strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, leaving 27 people dead. United Nations human rights experts described these attacks as extrajudicial executions. Speaking from the White House, Trump stated that the United States is looking at land as it evaluates further actions against drug cartels across the region.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose legitimacy remains disputed internationally, responded by appealing for peace. Addressing the people of the United States in a televised speech, he urged, no war, yes peace.Tensions have escalated as Washington increases its military presence in the Caribbean, where roughly 10,000 US troops are reportedly stationed on ships and in Puerto Rico. According to The New York Times, Trump’s authorization grants the CIA power to conduct independent operations in Venezuela or in coordination with wider military efforts.Although it remains unclear whether such operations are currently active, the CIA has a long record of involvement in South America. When asked by reporters about the decision, Trump offered a rare public acknowledgment. I authorized for two reasons, he said. Venezuela has emptied its prisons into the United States, and we are facing a serious drug problem. A lot of drugs come from Venezuela by sea, and we will stop them by land too.
Trump Confirms CIA Operations in Venezuela Amid Growing Regional Tensions
Venezuela plays only a limited role in the regional drug trade, yet the US administration continues to link the nation’s leadership with narcotics trafficking. Trump declined to say whether the CIA’s goal includes removing Maduro from power, dismissing the question as ridiculous.The latest US strike, which took place near Venezuela’s coast, killed six people aboard a suspected drug vessel. Trump later claimed on Truth Social that intelligence confirmed the ship was tied to narcoterrorist networks and traveling on a known drug trafficking route. However, US officials did not identify the group or those on board. Maduro responded forcefully, warning against escalation and condemning what he called CIA orchestrated coups. He invoked past US interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, urging Americans to reject further wars. The Venezuelan leader also ordered military exercises around Caracas and neighboring Miranda state, mobilizing soldiers, police, and civilian militias to defend the nation. Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned Washington’s actions, calling the CIA involvement and the growing US military presence in the Caribbean a policy of aggression and harassment. Analysts say Trump’s authorization of CIA operations represents a major expansion of US involvement in the region. Former CIA officer Mick Mulroy noted that any covert action requires a presidential finding that outlines specific missions. He said such authorization signals a significant escalation in US efforts against drug cartels, comparing it to a real life Sicario.
MOST READ; JD Vance Downplays Young Republicans’ Racist and Sexist Messages as ‘Stupid Jokes’
