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Covert operations

US Authorizes CIA to Conduct Covert Operations in Venezuela, Trump Cites Prisoners and Drug Trafficking

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, following a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The move comes after the U.S. military destroyed at least five boats since early September, killing 27 people, with four of those vessels originating from Venezuela. Trump cited two main reasons for the authorization: the release of prisoners from Venezuelan prisons into the United States and the flow of drugs into the country through the sea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela for two main reasons: the release of prisoners from Venezuelan prisons into the US and the flow of drugs into the country through the sea.
  • Since early September, the US military has destroyed at least five boats in the Caribbean, killing 27 people, with four of those vessels originating from Venezuela.
  • The US administration is considering land operations in the region, with Trump saying "we're looking at land" as a possible next step.
  • President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has criticized the US for its involvement in regime change efforts in various countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on.
  • Maduro did not directly address Trump's comments about authorizing the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela.
  • The US has been carrying out a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, with a focus on disrupting the flow of drugs from Venezuela into the US.

Statistics:

  • At least 5 boats have been destroyed by the US military since early September in the Caribbean.
  • 27 people have been killed in these strikes, with 4 of the vessels originating from Venezuela.
  • The US President has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela for two main reasons.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (no date listed)

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