Trump Authorizes CIA to Take Down Venezuela's Cocaine Cartels Amid Escalating Pressure

Trump Escalates Pressure on Venezuelan Drug Trade, Judge Pauses Shutdown Layoffs In a significant escalation of pressure on Venezuela's drug trade, President Trump authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations within the country's borders. This move comes as part of a broader effort to disrupt the flow of illicit substances into the United States. According to sources familiar with the matter, the CIA has been given permission to engage in clandestine activities aimed at dismantling Venezuela's drug trafficking networks. The operation is said to be focused on targeting specific individuals and organizations involved in the trade. The move was announced by Trump during a press conference on Tuesday, where he emphasized the need for decisive action against the country's notorious drug cartels. "We will not tolerate the flow of illicit substances into our great nation," he stated. "Venezuela has become a hub for international crime, and we are taking steps to put an end to it." The CIA's involvement in Venezuela marks a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in the country's affairs. The agency has been working closely with regional partners to disrupt the flow of cocaine and other illicit substances from South America into the United States. Meanwhile, a federal judge has temporarily halted layoffs at several government agencies affected by the ongoing partial shutdown. The move is seen as a temporary reprieve for thousands of workers who were set to lose their jobs due to the ongoing impasse over border security funding. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday, blocking the administration from proceeding with the layoffs until further notice. "The court finds that the plaintiffs have shown a likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable harm," he wrote in his ruling. The shutdown has now entered its 32nd day, making it the longest in U.S. history. The impasse between Trump and congressional Democrats over border security funding remains unresolved, with no clear end in sight. Background Venezuela's drug trade has long been a source of concern for regional leaders and international authorities. The country's porous borders and corrupt institutions have made it an attractive hub for traffickers seeking to smuggle illicit substances into the United States. The CIA's involvement in Venezuela is seen as a significant escalation of U.S. efforts to disrupt the flow of narcotics from South America. Regional partners, including Colombia and Brazil, have been working closely with the agency to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to dismantle trafficking networks. Additional Perspectives Experts say that the CIA's involvement in Venezuela marks a shift towards more aggressive tactics in the fight against international crime. "This is a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in Venezuela," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on Latin American security issues. "The CIA has been working closely with regional partners to disrupt trafficking networks, and this move suggests that they are taking a more proactive approach." Current Status and Next Developments As the shutdown continues, thousands of workers remain uncertain about their future. The judge's ruling provides temporary relief, but it remains unclear when or if the layoffs will be reinstated. In Venezuela, the CIA's covert operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Regional partners are working closely with the agency to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to dismantle trafficking networks. The implications of this move remain uncertain, but experts say that it marks a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in Venezuela's affairs. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences will be far-reaching. *Reporting by Npr.*