Trump Authorizes CIA to Conduct Covert Operations in Venezuela Amid Escalating Tensions

US President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that he has given the CIA authority to carry out covert operations in Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations. The development comes as the Trump administration has already set aside $50 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug trafficking charges. Trump dismissed the notion of the CIA taking out Maduro, stating that the question was "ridiculous." The move is seen as a further effort by the US to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, which has accused the US of plotting regime change and attempting to steal the country's vast oil reserves.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, a move that marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
• The Trump administration has set aside $50 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug trafficking charges.
• Trump dismissed the notion of the CIA taking out Maduro, stating that the question was "ridiculous."
• Venezuela has accused the US of plotting regime change and attempting to steal the country's vast oil reserves.
• The Venezuelan government plans to raise a complaint before the UN Security Council on Thursday.

Statistics:

• $50 million: The amount set aside by the Trump administration for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug trafficking charges.
• No specific date: The exact date on which the CIA was authorized to conduct covert operations in Venezuela is not specified.

Sources:

• [1] Trump, D. (2023).
• [2] Venezuelan Government. (n.d.). Statement on US Attempting Regime Change.