U.S. Military Considers Options for President Trump in Venezuela: Covert Operations and Potential Strikes
The U.S. military is considering options for President Trump, including potential strikes in Venezuela. The Trump administration has given the C.I.A. authorization to conduct covert operations in Venezuela to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro, the country's authoritarian leader. The goal is to remove Maduro from power. The C.I.A. can now carry out lethal operations in Venezuela and the Caribbean, either independently or in conjunction with a larger military operation. The U.S. military is also planning possible escalation, with 10,000 troops in the region and warships in the Caribbean.
President Trump ended diplomatic talks with Maduro's government due to the leader's refusal to give up power and allegations of drug trafficking. The C.I.A. has been granted authority to work with Latin American governments on security matters but not to carry out lethal operations. The administration's strategy, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and C.I.A. Director John Ratcliffe, aims to oust Maduro from power. The U.S. has offered a reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest on drug trafficking charges.
The Trump administration accuses Maduro of profiting from the narcotics trade and being a "narcoterrorist." However, U.S. intelligence agencies have conflicting assessments. The administration justifies its actions by declaring an armed conflict with drug cartels viewed as terrorist organizations. Covert actions authorized by the White House are highly classified and rarely made public. The C.I.A. has a history of covert actions in Latin America and the Caribbean, with mixed results.
The C.I.A.'s increased focus on counternarcotics includes drone operations in Mexico. The covert finding allowing operations in Venezuela is a continuation of these efforts. The agency has a history of involvement in coups and operations in the region. The C.I.A.'s authorization for covert action in Venezuela is part of the Trump administration's strategy to remove Maduro from power.