Trump Approves Secret CIA Operations in Venezuela, Hints at Possible Ground Invasion

Darwin, 16 October-

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved covert operations in Venezuela, authorizing the CIA to carry out missions inside the South American country, according to a report published by Al Jazeera on Thursday. Amid growing tensions in the Caribbean Sea, Trump has also hinted at the possibility of a ground invasion.

During a press briefing on Wednesday with senior law enforcement officials, Trump acknowledged granting the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) permission to conduct secret missions in Venezuela. The acknowledgment followed a question from a journalist referencing a New York Times report on CIA activities in the region.

Trump cited two reasons for his decision:
“Firstly, they’re sending their prisoners to the United States,” he claimed. “Secondly, Venezuela is playing a major role in drug trafficking.”

He added, “A large amount of drugs is coming into the U.S. from Venezuela, mostly via sea routes. But this time, we’ll also stop them on land.”

Over recent weeks, U.S. forces have launched several lethal strikes on Venezuelan naval vessels in the Caribbean, significantly escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. Trump confirmed that his administration is now considering the possibility of a ground operation inside Venezuela.

This aggressive stance from the Trump administration is not entirely new. During his first term as president, Trump adopted a similarly hardline approach toward Venezuela. Both nations have recently ramped up their military presence in the Caribbean, further fueling concerns of an impending conflict.

In response, the Venezuelan government has strongly condemned Trump’s statements and the authorization of covert CIA operations. Caracas has accused Washington of violating international law and breaching the United Nations Charter.

In an official statement, President Nicolás Maduro’s administration said:
“These actions by the United States are clearly aimed at justifying regime change in Venezuela and ultimately gaining control over the country’s natural resources.”

During the press briefing, one journalist directly asked Trump:
“Has the CIA been authorized to remove Maduro?”

Trump responded with a smirk, saying,
“It would be ridiculous for me to answer that. It’s not an unreasonable question, but wouldn’t it be ridiculous if I did answer it?”