Washington, United States – US President Donald Trump confirmed that he gave the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) approval to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
This is an escalation against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
The New York Times quoted two informed US officials as saying that the Trump administration’s strategy on Venezuela aims to remove Maduro from power.
The US administration has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.
Trump said he authorized this measure because large quantities of drugs entering the United States come from Venezuela.
Most of it is smuggled by sea.
Trump accuses Venezuela of being a hub for trafficking the deadly drug fentanyl, but US records show that Mexico is the primary source of fentanyl.
Trump declined to answer when asked whether the CIA had the authority to execute Maduro.
Trump ordered the mobilization of US military forces in the southern Caribbean.
The forces carried out at least five strikes on boats that the Trump administration accused of involvement in drug smuggling, without providing evidence.
Venezuelan disapproval
In contrast, the Venezuelan government on Wednesday denounced Trump’s statement publicly acknowledging the CIA’s authorization to conduct covert operations in the South American country.
The Venezuelan government said Trump’s remarks constituted a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
She added that the US actions aim to legitimize the “regime change” process with the ultimate goal of seizing Venezuela’s oil resources.
