Trump Acknowledges CIA Operations Authorization in Venezuela Amid Drug Cartel Strikes
President Donald Trump has confirmed reports he authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela - and said he was considering strikes targeting drug cartels there.
US forces have already conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean in recent weeks, killing 27 people. UN-appointed human rights experts have described the raids as 'extrajudicial executions'.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the US 'is looking at land' as it considers further strikes in the region.
Trump has sought to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whom the US and others do not recognise as Venezuela's rightful leader following disputed elections.
The increased US military presence in the region has raised fears in Caracas of a possible attack.
Trump's authorisation would allow the CIA to carry out operations in Venezuela either unilaterally or as part of any wider US military activity. It remains unknown whether the CIA is planning operations in Venezuela or if those plans are being kept as contingencies.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump was questioned about the New York Times report.
Trump emphasised that his decision was driven by two main factors: the influx of Venezuelan criminals into the US and the pressing issue of drug trafficking stemming from Venezuela. He stated that the US aims to combat these threats effectively.
Maduro’s regime, whose government has been under siege due to these allegations, has not directly addressed Trump's CIA authorisation. Nevertheless, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez responded defiantly, asserting the strength of Venezuelan resistance against foreign aggression.
The recent military activity underscores a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations, as Trump continues to apply pressure on Maduro’s administration amid ongoing scrutiny of military operations and legality.
