Trump Authorizes CIA Operations in Venezuela: Details Revealed

In a significant development, President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct operations in Venezuela. This move aims to address the illegal flow of migrants and drugs originating from the country.

Details of CIA Operations in Venezuela

Trump’s announcement marked the first detailed disclosure regarding the CIA’s expanded role. However, he refrained from explicitly stating that the objective would be to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

He justified the authorization by linking it to a broader effort to combat drug smuggling, particularly from Venezuela. “We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela,” Trump noted. He emphasized the need to tackle these illegal activities both by sea and land.

Tensions Rise Between the US and Venezuela

Venezuelan leaders have reacted strongly to Trump’s remarks. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the President’s statements as warmongering and a violation of international law. He expressed alarm over the involvement of the CIA and military presence in the Caribbean, suggesting these actions represent aggression toward Venezuela.

President Maduro also retaliated against the characterization of Venezuelans, which he deemed discriminatory. He called for peace, stating, “Not war, yes peace,” during a national broadcast.

Escalation of Military Activity

Recently, the US military conducted a strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. This incident represents the fifth known military action against alleged drug trafficking operations in the region.

Despite the lack of publicly available evidence to support claims of drug trafficking, the US has issued a classified legal opinion justifying these lethal engagements.

Concerns Over Accountability and Oversight

• Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont expressed concerns regarding the legality of the President’s actions, accusing him of overstepping his authority.
• Welch suggested Congress is failing in its oversight responsibilities, questioning the legal basis for Trump’s military decisions.
• Republican Senator Rand Paul also criticized the actions, though some GOP members, like Senator Jim Risch, supported Trump’s approach.

Opposition Voices in Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, recently awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has urged for more US support against Maduro. She aligns with the Trump administration’s perspective, labeling Maduro’s regime as a “criminal narco-terrorism structure.”

Furthermore, reports indicate that US military actions in the Caribbean may also extend to targeting Colombian nationals involved in drug activities.

The evolving situation underscores escalating tensions not only between the US and Venezuela but also within the broader geopolitical landscape in Latin America.