Trump Confirms CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela Amid Drug Trafficking Concerns
President Donald Trump has confirmed authorizing CIA covert operations in Venezuela, citing drug trafficking and the release of prisoners into the U.S. as primary reasons.
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, citing concerns over drug trafficking and the alleged release of prisoners into the United States.
During a recent Oval Office event, when asked about the authorization, Trump stated, "I authorized for two reasons, really. No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America. And the other thing, the drugs, we have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela."
This confirmation follows a series of U.S. military actions targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. Since early September, at least five boats have been destroyed, resulting in 27 fatalities. Four of these vessels reportedly originated from Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. actions, warning against foreign intervention and drawing parallels to historical U.S.-backed coups in Latin America.
In response to the U.S. operations, Maduro ordered military exercises in the country's largest shantytowns.
The U.S. actions have sparked bipartisan concern in Congress. Lawmakers have criticized the administration for bypassing congressional approval and failing to provide concrete evidence that the targeted boats were carrying narcotics.
Human rights organizations have also expressed alarm over potential extrajudicial killings resulting from these operations.
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