Trump Authorizes CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. This decision comes amid ongoing allegations regarding drug trafficking and security concerns related to the Venezuelan government.
Reasons Behind the CIA Authorization
During a briefing with CBS News, Trump cited two primary reasons for this authorization. Firstly, he claimed that Venezuela has released numerous prisoners and individuals from mental institutions into the United States. Secondly, he pointed to the influx of drugs from Venezuela into the U.S., highlighting how many of these substances enter via maritime routes.
Priority on Drug Trafficking
- The president emphasized the threat of drugs arriving from Venezuela.
- His administration has previously conducted military airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.
- Trump noted that efforts to combat this issue would also involve land operations.
The New York Times was the first to report on the authorization of CIA operations aimed at curtailing the activities of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The administration has accused Maduro of having ties to the Tren de Aragua drug cartel, an allegation Maduro has denied. The U.S. Justice Department has doubled the bounty for information on Maduro to $50 million.
Military Actions and Responses
Recently, U.S. forces targeted a vessel off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in six casualties. This marks the fifth such operation, with a reported total of at least 27 fatalities among suspected drug traffickers. In response, Maduro has ordered military exercises in Venezuela’s largest shantytowns.
Concerns from Lawmakers
The recent military actions have raised concerns among lawmakers from both political parties. Critics argue that Congress has not authorized military force against drug traffickers and call for more transparency regarding the operations. They demand evidence about the identities of those on the boats and the specific drugs involved.
In defense, Trump asserted that Congress receives intelligence indicating the vessels were carrying drugs. He mentioned findings of what he termed “fentanyl dust” on some of the boats struck by U.S. military operations. According to the president, when vessels are implicated in drug trafficking, they are legitimate military targets.
