In a move to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime, the Trump administration quietly granted the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the authority to carry out covert actions in Venezuela. As reported by The New York Times, this decision was made through a classified presidential order, known as a presidential finding. This directive empowers the CIA to conduct lethal operations within Venezuela and the Caribbean, either independently or in concert with potential military actions.
The initiative, reportedly shaped by Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, aims to ultimately remove Maduro from power. The order was signed following the severance of diplomatic ties between Washington and Caracas. The New York Times also noted that the Pentagon is preparing for potential military escalation in the area, including possible strikes within Venezuelan territory.
Currently, the United States has approximately 10,000 troops stationed in the Caribbean, primarily based in Puerto Rico, along with eight warships, a submarine, and a Marine unit aboard amphibious assault ships. Although neither the CIA nor the White House provided comments, the newspaper highlights that the new directive broadens the agency’s existing capacities in Latin America in terms of intelligence and security cooperation. Previously, these missions did not permit direct lethal operations.
The report further mentions that under John Ratcliffe's leadership, the CIA has adopted a more assertive stance. During his Senate confirmation, Ratcliffe vowed to transform the agency into a more risk-taking organization, ready to act on presidential orders and venture into areas others cannot.
Washington's strategy also includes offering a $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, whom U.S. authorities accuse of drug trafficking and terrorism. Trump and Rubio have labeled the Venezuelan leader as a "narcoterrorist" and consider him an illegitimate ruler.
The New York Times suggests that this presidential finding marks a turning point in U.S. policy towards Venezuela, aligning with the CIA's historical activities in Latin America, which have included coups and covert missions in countries such as Guatemala, Cuba, Chile, and Nicaragua.
Meanwhile, El País reported that since September 2, U.S. forces have sunk at least five ships off the Venezuelan coast in anti-narcotics operations, resulting in 27 fatalities. The report also noted that the U.S. has over 2,000 military personnel, including Marines, Harrier aircraft, and F-35 fighters, aboard eight warships and a nuclear submarine, with troops stationed in Puerto Rico. El País also cited human rights organizations that have deemed these attacks illegal and noted the State Department's doubling of the reward for Maduro to $50 million, as well as the inclusion of the Tren de Aragua criminal group on the list of terrorist organizations.
Key Questions About U.S. Covert Operations in Venezuela
What is the purpose of the CIA's covert operations in Venezuela?
The covert operations are designed to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime with the ultimate goal of removing him from power.
How is the U.S. military involved in the operations in the Caribbean?
The U.S. military has approximately 10,000 troops in the Caribbean, with additional military assets such as warships and a submarine, ready to support potential military actions in the region.
What has been the international response to these actions?
Some human rights organizations have criticized these actions as illegal, while the U.S. government continues its efforts to pressure the Venezuelan regime.