Trump Allows CIA to Conduct Clandestine Operations in Venezuela
(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he has granted the CIA authority to carry out clandestine operations inside Venezuela, a decision that drew immediate condemnation from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
During remarks at the White House, Trump leveled serious allegations against the Venezuelan government, claiming it is intentionally releasing prisoners and psychiatric patients to enter the United States illegally, while also smuggling substantial quantities of drugs.
"They have emptied their prisons into the United States of America" and "allowed thousands and thousands of prisoners" and "people from mental institutions, insane asylums," Trump said, offering no supporting evidence for the accusations.
When pressed on whether he had specifically authorized the CIA to assassinate Maduro, Trump declined to respond directly. "I think Venezuela is feeling heat," he replied.
Trump also suggested that potential military action could extend beyond maritime operations. "We are certainly looking at land now because we've got the sea very well under control," he stated.
In response, Maduro lashed out at what he described as foreign interference. Quoted by multiple outlets, he condemned "coups d'etat orchestrated by the CIA."
According to a report by The New York Times (NYT), the newly issued authorization permits the CIA to carry out lethal missions not only in Venezuela but also throughout the Caribbean, and to coordinate these with broader U.S. military strategies in the region.
Citing anonymous officials, the NYT further reported that the Trump administration has privately acknowledged its ultimate objective: the removal of Maduro from power. The same report noted a current deployment of approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel, eight warships, and one submarine across the Caribbean, with many assets based in Puerto Rico.
Since September, the White House has announced five U.S. strikes targeting suspected narcotics vessels in international waters near Venezuela, resulting in the destruction of five boats and the deaths of 27 individuals.
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