President Trump Confirms CIA Conducting Covert Operations in Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions
In a surprise move, President Donald Trump confirmed on October 16 that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, citing concerns over the country's alleged role in smuggling people and drugs into the US through its prisons and Caribbean waters. The announcement comes amid rising tensions between the two nations.
According to Trump, the CIA is already conducting covert operations in Venezuela, with the president hinting at potential future land-based operations in the region. "We're looking at it very strongly," Trump said during an event in the Oval Office, according to a report by The Associated Press. "We're doing some things that are very good, and we'll see what happens."
The move is seen as a significant escalation of US involvement in Venezuela's internal affairs. In recent weeks, the US military has carried out a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats originating from Venezuela. According to a report by NPR News, these strikes have been part of a broader effort to disrupt the flow of illicit goods and people into the US.
The CIA's covert operations in Venezuela are believed to be focused on gathering intelligence and disrupting the country's alleged smuggling networks. However, details about the scope and nature of these operations remain scarce. "We're not going to comment on specific operations or activities," a CIA spokesperson said in a statement.
Venezuela has long been a source of tension between the US and other countries in the region. The country's economic crisis and authoritarian government have led to widespread human rights abuses, with many Venezuelans fleeing the country in search of safety and security.
The situation is further complicated by Venezuela's alleged role in smuggling people and drugs into the US through its prisons and Caribbean waters. According to a report by NPR News, Trump has expressed concerns about this issue, saying that it is "a very big problem" for the US.
Experts say that the CIA's covert operations in Venezuela are likely aimed at addressing these issues and disrupting the country's alleged smuggling networks. "The CIA's role is to gather intelligence and conduct operations that support US national security interests," said a former CIA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "In this case, it appears that the agency is working to disrupt the flow of illicit goods and people into the US."
As tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to rise, it remains unclear what the next steps will be. However, one thing is certain: the situation in Venezuela has become a major concern for the US government, with significant implications for regional security and stability.
In response to Trump's announcement, Democrats in Congress have vowed to force a vote on limiting his war powers in the region. "We cannot continue to allow the president to unilaterally take military action without congressional approval," said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), according to a report by NPR News.
The situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming weeks and months, with many questions still unanswered about the scope and nature of US involvement in Venezuela. One thing is clear, however: the CIA's covert operations in Venezuela are just one part of a broader effort to address the country's alleged role in smuggling people and drugs into the US.
Attribution:
The Associated Press
NPR News
A former CIA official (speaking on condition of anonymity)
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and BREAKING: NPR News.
