Trump Confirms CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela Amidst Escalating Tensions
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A rare confirmation from a sitting U.S. President, Donald Trump publicly acknowledged authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations within Venezuela, escalating a series of assertive actions against the South American nation. This disclosure follows a recent incident where the U.S. military destroyed several boats suspected of carrying drugs, with four of the destroyed boats originating from Venezuela.
The President, speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, framed the decision as a response to two primary concerns.”I authorized it for two reasons, really.One, they emptied their prisons in the United States of America,” Trump stated. He further elaborated, “And the other thing, drugs, we have a lot of drugs coming from Venezuela, and a lot of Venezuelan drugs coming by sea.” The administration is reportedly “evaluating the land” for potential further actions, though the President stopped short of confirming whether the CIA has been granted authority to directly target President Nicolás Maduro.
This confirmation emerged following reports published by The New York Times detailing the authorization of CIA operations in Venezuela. The move signals a significant shift towards more overt U.S. intervention in the region, raising questions about international law and potential repercussions.
Maduro Condemns U.S. Actions, Calls for Peace
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro swiftly condemned the U.S. actions, leveling sharp criticism at the CIA’s historical record and appealing for a peaceful resolution. Addressing the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace – a body encompassing diverse sectors of Venezuelan society – Maduro pleaded,in English,”not war,yes peace,not war. Is that what they say? Who speaks English? Not war, but yes, peace, for the people of the United States, please. Please, please, please.”
maduro’s rebuke extended to a detailed recounting of alleged past CIA interventions,drawing parallels to conflicts in Afghanistan,iraq,and Libya. He specifically referenced the concept of regime change, linking it to historical instances of instability and suffering. “No to regime change which reminds us so much of the (overturns) in the eternal failed wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on,” he asserted.
The Venezuelan leader also invoked the memory of past human rights abuses, citing the estimated 30,000 “disappeared” during Argentina’s military dictatorship (1976-1983) and the 1973 coup in Chile as examples of the CIA’s alleged detrimental influence in Latin America. “How long will the CIA continue with its coups? Latin America does not want them, does not need them and repudiates them,” Maduro declared.
International Law Concerns Raised by Venezuela
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement rejecting what it characterized as “belligerent and extravagant statements” from the U.S. President. The ministry argued that Trump’s public admission of authorizing operations against Venezuela constitutes “a very serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter,” urging the international community to condemn the actions. Foreign Minister Yván Gil published the statement on his Telegram channel.
Congressional Opposition to Military Actions
The U.S.military’s actions against alleged drug cartels are also facing growing resistance within the U.S. Congress, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concerns. Earlier this month,the Trump administration declared these cartels as “illegal combatants,” effectively placing the United States in an “armed conflict” with them,a justification for the military escalation aimed at curbing the flow of narcotics into the country.
Though, this declaration has ignited controversy, with numerous legislators accusing the administration of initiating an act of war without securing congressional approval. According to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter, the Trump administration has yet to present conclusive evidence demonstrating that the targeted vessels were, in fact, carrying narcotics. This lack of transparency has fueled further criticism and calls for greater oversight.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. The confirmation of CIA involvement adds a new layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the United States and Venezuela, raising significant questions about the future of the region and the limits of executive power.
- Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and the Art of Bending Reality (archynewsy.com)
