US President Donald Trump confirmed reports that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to carry out secret operations in Venezuela, in a move that represents a sharp escalation in Washington’s efforts to pressure the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump added that he is considering launching raids on Venezuelan territory targeting drug cartels.
The New York Times reported earlier today that the Trump administration secretly authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela.
The newspaper added, citing officials, that the new authorization allows the agency to carry out “deadly” operations in Venezuela, as well as operations in the Caribbean region.
The new measure is the latest step in the Trump administration’s intense pressure campaign against Venezuela, where the US military has for weeks targeted boats off the Venezuelan coast that it says transport drugs, killing dozens.
The newspaper said that American officials stated in private statements that the ultimate goal is to remove President Maduro from power.
