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The administration of Donald Trump secretly authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to carry out covert actions in Venezuela, as part of its strategy to intensify pressure against Nicolás Maduro's regime.
According to The New York Times, citing U.S. officials, the measure was approved through a classified presidential order known as presidential finding, which allows the agency to conduct lethal operations within Venezuela and in the Caribbean, either independently or in coordination with potential military maneuvers.
According to the cited sources, the decision is part of the pressure campaign designed by Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, with the ultimate goal of “removing Maduro from power”.
The document is believed to have been signed following the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas.
The publication indicates that the Pentagon is also preparing scenarios for military escalation in the region, including possible attacks within Venezuelan territory.
Currently, the United States has about 10,000 troops deployed in the Caribbean, primarily based in Puerto Rico, along with eight warships, a submarine, and a Marine unit aboard amphibious assault ships.
Although the CIA and the White House declined to comment, the newspaper notes that the new mandate expands the powers that the agency already holds in Latin America regarding intelligence and security cooperation.
However, until now those missions did not authorize direct lethal operations.
The report also notes that under the leadership of John Ratcliffe, the CIA took a more aggressive stance.
During his confirmation in the Senate, Ratcliffe promised to "make the agency a less risk-averse organization and more willing to act when the president orders, going to places where no one else can go."
Washington's strategy also includes a $50 million offer for information leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, who is accused by U.S. authorities of drug trafficking and terrorism.
Trump and Rubio have described the Venezuelan ruler as a "narcoterrorist" and consider him an illegitimate leader.
According to The New York Times, the presidential finding marks a turning point in U.S. policy toward Venezuela and aligns with the historical pattern of the CIA in Latin America, whose operations in the 20th century included coups and covert missions in countries such as Guatemala, Cuba, Chile, and Nicaragua.
For its part, the newspaper El País specified that, since September 2, U.S. forces have sunk at least five vessels off the coasts of Venezuela, in operations against drug trafficking that have reportedly resulted in 27 deaths.
It was also indicated that Washington has deployed more than 2,000 military personnel, including Marines, Harrier aircraft, and F-35 fighters, aboard eight warships and a nuclear submarine, as well as troops at bases in Puerto Rico.
The Country also cited human rights organizations that deem these attacks illegal and recalled that the State Department doubled the reward for Nicolás Maduro to 50 million dollars and included the criminal group Tren de Aragua on the list of terrorist organizations.
Frequently asked questions about U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the CIA's covert actions
What actions has Donald Trump authorized the CIA to take in Venezuela?
Donald Trump authorized the CIA to carry out covert actions in Venezuela, allowing lethal operations within the country and in the Caribbean, aimed at increasing pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime.
What is the ultimate goal of the U.S. strategy in Venezuela?
The strategy of the U.S., led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ultimately aims to remove Nicolás Maduro from power, whom Washington considers an illegitimate leader and a narcoterrorist.
How has Venezuela responded to the actions of the U.S. and the CIA?
Nicolás Maduro has denounced the actions of the U.S. as an imperialist threat and has strengthened his international alliances, especially with Cuba. Maduro has mobilized the Venezuelan armed forces and declared a state of external commotion to confront the U.S. threat.
What resources has the U.S. deployed in the Caribbean in relation to Venezuela?
The U.S. has deployed about 10,000 military personnel, warships, submarines, and surveillance aircraft in the Caribbean, primarily in Puerto Rico, as part of an operation aimed at pressuring the Maduro regime.
What is Cuba's position on the situation between the U.S. and Venezuela?
Cuba has expressed its political support for Venezuela, labeling the actions of the U.S. as a threat to regional stability. However, Cuba has refrained from committing militarily in the event of a U.S. intervention.
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