Trump Authorizes Covert CIA Operations in Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions

President Donald Trump has confirmed authorizing covert CIA operations in Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro's government. The New York Times first reported the classified directive, citing U.S. officials familiar with the decision.

Trump stated that the authorization was driven by two primary concerns: the alleged release of prisoners from Venezuela into the United States and the substantial flow of drugs from Venezuela into the U.S., much of it trafficked by sea. He did not specify which border the prisoners were crossing.

"I think Venezuela is feeling heat," Trump added, but declined to answer when asked if the CIA had the authority to execute Maduro.

In response, Maduro condemned what he described as "coups d’état orchestrated by the CIA" and criticized U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, which Washington claims are anti-drug operations. He announced military exercises and mobilization of forces to defend Venezuela's sovereignty.

"No to war in the Caribbean. No to regime change. No to coups d’état orchestrated by the CIA," Maduro stated during an address.

The U.S. has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, charges he denies. In August, Washington increased the bounty for information leading to Maduro's capture to $50 million. The Venezuelan leader is widely accused of having stolen elections last year.

The situation has drawn international attention, with regional leaders expressing concern over the escalating tensions and potential threats to regional stability.

"The imperialism in its demonic offensive shows no intention of respecting the limits imposed by International Law," Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel remarked, warning that such policies threaten global peace and stability.

As both nations continue their respective military deployments and rhetoric, the Caribbean region becomes the epicenter of a dangerous struggle that threatens the principles of regional security and cooperation.