President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. This decision comes amid a broader U.S. strategy that includes potential military strikes targeting drug cartels operating in the region. In recent weeks, U.S. forces have executed at least five strikes against suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 individuals.
During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump stated that the U.S. is “looking at land” options for further military action against Venezuelan drug operations. Tensions have escalated as the U.S. seeks to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose leadership is not recognized by the U.S. and several other nations following contested elections.
According to a report by the New York Times, Trump’s authorization enables the CIA to execute operations in Venezuela independently or as part of a broader U.S. military initiative. While the specifics of any operational plans remain unclear, the announcement has heightened concerns in Caracas regarding a potential military confrontation.
Trump addressed reporters alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, responding to inquiries about the authorization. He emphasized two primary motives: the influx of Venezuelan nationals into the U.S. from emptied prisons and the significant drug trafficking originating from Venezuela. “We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea,” Trump stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The president did not clarify whether the CIA’s authorization included efforts to unseat Maduro, who currently has a bounty of $50 million placed on his head by the U.S. government. When asked about this, Trump remarked, “Wouldn’t it be a ridiculous question for me to answer?”
In a recent U.S. strike on January 3, 2024, six individuals were killed when a boat was targeted near Venezuela’s coastline. Trump later mentioned on social media platform Truth Social that “intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics” and had connections to “illicit narcoterrorist networks.”
The U.S. military’s actions are part of a larger initiative aimed at pressuring Maduro’s government, which includes the deployment of substantial air and naval resources in the region and the positioning of approximately 4,000 troops. A leaked memo recently sent to U.S. lawmakers indicated that the administration views its actions as part of a “non-international armed conflict” with drug-trafficking organizations.
U.S. officials have alleged that Maduro is involved with a group referred to as the Cartel of the Suns, which purportedly includes senior Venezuelan military and security officials engaged in drug trafficking. Maduro has categorically denied these allegations, and the Venezuelan government has condemned the U.S. military operations as unlawful.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely for further developments regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela and their implications for regional stability.
