Trump Authorizes CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela Amid Escalating Tensions

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro's government. Speaking at the White House, Trump cited concerns over drug trafficking and alleged prisoner releases from Venezuela into the United States.

"I authorized for two reasons really," Trump stated. "Number one, they [Venezuela] have emptied their prisons into the United States of America."

"And the other thing are drugs. We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea, so you get to see that, but we're going to stop them by land also."

The authorization allows the CIA to carry out lethal operations in Venezuela and conduct a range of activities in the Caribbean. This development follows a series of U.S. military actions targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the region, resulting in at least 27 fatalities. The U.S. has also deployed eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets to the Caribbean as part of its counter-narcotics operations.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. actions, accusing Washington of seeking regime change under the guise of counter-narcotics operations. In a televised address, Maduro appealed directly to the American public, stating, "No to regime change, which reminds us so much of the endless, failed wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on. No to CIA-orchestrated coups d'état."

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting the U.S. actions as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Foreign Minister Yván Gil expressed alarm over the use of the CIA and military deployments in the Caribbean, describing them as a policy of aggression and harassment against Venezuela.

The Trump administration has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest and conviction on U.S. drug trafficking charges. U.S. officials have alleged that Maduro is part of an organization called the Cartel of the Suns, which includes high-ranking Venezuelan military and security officials involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied these claims.

The CIA has a history of covert operations in Latin America, including involvement in coups and support for rebel groups. The current authorization represents a substantial increase in efforts against drug trafficking organizations in the region.