Tension between the United States and Venezuela increases. The White House authorizes the CIA to carry out covert actions in the South American country, as published this Wednesday by the American newspaper . These new data are released in a context in which Donald Trump pressure increases on the president Nicolas Madurowith a campaign of attacks on Venezuelan vessels in international waters, which it accuses of trafficking drugs, and has announced a “phase two” of the plan that involves taking actions by land.
In this way, the US intelligence agency could be taking covert measures against Maduro and his Government, either unilaterally or all part of a “larger” military operation. “It is not known if the CIA is planning any operation in Venezuela or if the authorities are intended to be a contingency,” the newspaper reveals.
According to the publication, the military buildup “is substantial.” Currently, there are 10,000 U.S. troops there, most of them at bases in Puerto Rico, but also a contingent of Marines on amphibious assault ships. Furthermore, in total, The Navy has eight surface warships and one submarine in the Caribbean. All this deterrence has a single objective: to expel Maduro from power.
Additionally, the CIA has long had authority to work with some of the South American governments on “security” and “intelligence sharing” matters. However,
Just as it says New York Timesthe director of the CIA himself, John Ratcliffehas said “little about what his agency is doing in Venezuela,” but has promised that, under his mandate, “it would become more aggressive.” For all these reasons, “it has shown itself more willing to carry out covert actions when President Trump ordered it.” Still, “the White House findings authorizing covert action are closely guarded secrets. Their precise language is rarely made public“says the newspaper, which quotes senior American officials.
According to the information released, President Trump ordered the end of diplomatic talks with Venezuela due to Maduro’s refusal to voluntarily abandon power. Likewise, for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the Venezuelan president on drug trafficking charges.
