Trump Confirms CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela, citing concerns over drug trafficking and the release of prisoners into the United States. This acknowledgment follows a series of U.S. military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, resulting in 27 fatalities since early September.

During an Oval Office event on Wednesday, Trump stated that his authorization was driven by two primary reasons: the release of prisoners into the U.S. and the influx of drugs from Venezuela via maritime routes. He also mentioned that the administration is considering land operations in the region but did not specify whether the CIA has been authorized to target Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In response, Maduro criticized the U.S. actions, referencing the CIA's history in conflicts such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. He emphasized the need for peace in the Caribbean and South America, urging the U.S. to avoid war. Venezuela's Foreign Ministry condemned Trump's statements as serious violations of international law and the United Nations Charter, calling on the international community to denounce these actions.

The Trump administration's recent declaration of drug cartels as unlawful combatants has led to military actions aimed at curbing drug flow into the U.S. However, this approach has faced bipartisan criticism in Congress, with concerns about potential escalation into conflict without proper oversight. Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed apprehension over the lack of transparency and the risk of engaging in another conflict without clear authorization.

Human rights organizations have also raised alarms about the legality of these strikes, questioning their adherence to international law and the potential for extrajudicial killings.