Trump Authorized CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela Targeting Maduro

The administration of Donald Trump authorized the CIA to perform operations in Venezuela, intensifying the campaign against Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

The New York Times reported on this.

The decision marked another step in Washington’s strategy to increase pressure on Caracas. In recent weeks, U.S. military forces have attacked vessels off the coast of Venezuela that, according to their reports, were carrying drugs.

As a result of these attacks, 27 people were killed. American officials openly acknowledge that the ultimate goal of the actions around the country is to remove Maduro from power.

The new authorization allows the CIA to execute operations to eliminate targets within Venezuela, as well as conduct other activities in the Caribbean basin.

The agency may conduct operations against Maduro or his government either independently or as part of broader military campaigns.

Meanwhile, it is still unclear whether actual actions are planned or if these powers are intended as a precautionary measure.

This is happening amid a possible U.S. military buildup, as the Pentagon prepares options for President Trump’s consideration, including potential strikes inside Venezuela.

The scale of the American presence in the region is significant: approximately 10,000 military personnel are stationed in the Caribbean basin, most of them at bases in Puerto Rico, along with a contingent of Marines on amphibious assault ships. The U.S. Navy has eight surface combatants and a submarine deployed in the region.

Earlier this month, Trump ordered the suspension of diplomatic negotiations with Maduro’s government, expressing frustration over the Venezuelan leader’s refusal to voluntarily relinquish power and the officials’ denials of involvement in drug trafficking.

The CIA has long held the authority to cooperate with Latin American governments on security matters and intelligence sharing.

This has allowed the agency to work with Mexican authorities in combating drug cartels. However, such mandates did not grant the right to conduct operations involving the use of force.