U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized a covert CIA operation targeting Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in efforts to oust President Nicolas Maduro and drawing immediate condemnation from Caracas and scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers.
The approval of the secret operation was announced by Trump on Wednesday, intensifying pressure on Maduro’s government. Reports by the New York Times suggest these operations could include covert actions across Latin America and the Caribbean, potentially involving the use of force.
When questioned about whether the CIA had authority to assassinate Maduro, Trump declined to answer directly, stating only, “I think Venezuela is feeling the heat.”
The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the U.S. decision, calling it a “violation of international law.” Foreign Minister Ivan Gil stated that Venezuela views the U.S. actions as a pretext for regime change and an attempt to seize the nation’s oil resources, vowing to bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General.
Domestically, some members of the U.S. Congress have called for detailed explanations of the operation. Concerns are rising that the United States might be heading into a new conflict without congressional approval.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned, “The American people have a right to know if the government is taking the country into another war.”
Trump cited the migration of Venezuelans into the United States and drug trafficking as the primary reasons for authorizing the covert actions. He also accused the Venezuelan government of releasing prisoners to enter the U.S., a claim for which no evidence has been provided.
This move follows earlier actions by the Trump administration, including a significant U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean. During this period, U.S. forces claimed to have attacked at least five ships allegedly involved in drug trafficking, part of a new application of military power frequently questioned on legal grounds.
Previously, the Trump administration had offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug-related charges.