In a move that has many raising eyebrows, President Trump announced he's given the green light to the CIA for covert operations in Venezuela. 😲 During a White House briefing, Trump accused Venezuelan authorities of releasing prisoners and mental health patients into the U.S. and smuggling drugs.
He said prisons and mental institutions were being emptied without proof. When asked if the CIA had orders to eliminate President Maduro, he refused to give a clear answer, only suggesting Venezuela was under pressure.
The president also hinted at potential land strikes, noting the U.S. already has strong control at sea. 🌊 Meanwhile, Maduro fired back, denouncing the plan as a CIA-orchestrated coup attempt.
Reports suggest that this new CIA mandate could cover lethal missions not just in Venezuela but across the Caribbean, tying into broader U.S. military activities. Sources say about 10,000 U.S. troops, eight warships, and a submarine are already in the area, mainly near Puerto Rico.
Since last September, the U.S. has launched five strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in 27 deaths. This month, the White House told Congress it is engaged in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels labeled as terrorist groups.
It's worth noting that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports Venezuela isn't a major source of cocaine bound for the United States. Still, Maduro insists Washington's real goal is regime change and military expansion in Latin America.
For decades, the CIA has been linked to covert actions and coups across the region. With this new authorization, all eyes are on how U.S.-Venezuela relations will evolve. Stay tuned! 🚀
Reference(s):
Trump says CIA authorized to conduct covert operations in Venezuela
cgtn.com
