Trump Confirms Covert CIA Operations in Venezuela, Escalates Pressure with $50M Maduro Bounty
President Trump confirmed covert CIA operations in Venezuela targeting drug traffickers, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro with a $50 million bounty, and suggesting potential land strikes.
Trump owns CIA action inside Venezuela against smugglers
World News Group
Overview
- President Trump confirmed authorizing covert CIA operations in Venezuela, stating they target suspected drug smugglers on boats to save American lives and address drug trafficking.
- Under this authorization, the U.S. military conducted deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and off Venezuela's coast.
- The Trump administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, increased the bounty for Nicolás Maduro's arrest to $50 million, accusing him of controlling drug cartels.
- Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil accused Trump of warmongering, while Trump denied authorizing the CIA to "take out" Maduro, calling such claims "ridiculous."
- Trump also suggested potential U.S. land strikes against Venezuela for drug traffickers, claiming Venezuela sends drugs and empties prisons into the U.S., with 10,000 U.S. troops in the Caribbean.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently highlighting the lack of evidence for President Trump's claims regarding Venezuelan prisoners and drug cargo, while emphasizing the unprecedented nature of his public acknowledgment of covert CIA operations. They also prioritize congressional and expert skepticism, questioning the legality and justification of the administration's actions and pointing out inconsistencies in its stated objectives.
"Trump isn't just satisfied with strikes on boats."
Reason"The Trump administration is preparing to significantly escalate its campaign against Venezuela."
Semafor"The Trump administration's authorization of covert C.I.A. action, conducting lethal strikes on boats and hinting at land operations in Venezuela slides the United States closer to outright conflict with no transparency, oversight or apparent guardrails."
NPR"The Trump administration’s authorization of covert C.I.A. action, conducting lethal strikes on boats and hinting at land operations in Venezuela slides the United States closer to outright conflict with no transparency, oversight or apparent guardrails."
Associated Press"The Trump administration has asserted its authority to treat alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants who may be attacked with military force."
CBS News"Trump confirmed he had authorized CIA action in Venezuela, and indicated his administration is exploring land strikes inside the South American country."
ABC News"The CIA’s operations abroad are usually shrouded in secrecy, but President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had authorized the spy agency to take unspecified action in Venezuela, an extraordinary and unprecedented acknowledgement from a commander in chief."
NBC News"The increased US military presence in the region has raised fears in Caracas of a possible attack."
BBC NewsArticles (19)
Center (8)
FAQ
President Trump confirmed he authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions inside Venezuela, specifically targeting suspected drug smuggling operations on boats off the Venezuelan coast. The U.S. military also conducted strikes against these boats, reportedly sinking five and killing 27 people[1]. However, officials admitted there is no firm evidence that all targeted boats were actually carrying drugs[1].
The Trump administration has increased the bounty for Nicolás Maduro's arrest to $50 million, publicly accusing him of controlling Venezuelan drug cartels. However, the article notes no specific evidence was provided to substantiate this claim[1].
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil accused President Trump of warmongering, reflecting official Venezuelan opposition to U.S. intervention. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized President Trump for acting unilaterally, suggesting he lacks congressional authority for these actions and warning such actions risk escalating into a full-fledged war[1].
There is no confirmation from official U.S. sources that land strikes in Venezuela have occurred. President Trump mentioned the possibility of U.S. land strikes for drug traffickers, but current reports only confirm maritime operations and no details about actual land-based military actions[1].
President Trump mentioned there are 10,000 U.S. troops in the Caribbean, suggesting a significant regional military presence. However, the article does not clarify whether these troops are directly involved in operations against Venezuela or are part of broader regional security efforts[1].
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