Trump Authorizes CIA Operations in Venezuela, Land Strikes Possible

UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just confirmed that he has authorized CIA operations in Venezuela, signaling a potentially significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the region. During a press briefing in the Oval Office on October 11, 2023, Trump indicated that his administration is actively exploring options for land strikes in addition to ongoing naval operations.

This urgent announcement comes amid rising concerns over the flow of migrants and drugs from Venezuela. Trump stated, “I authorized for two reasons, really. Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America. They came in through the, well, they came in through the border.” He emphasized the need to combat drug trafficking, adding, “We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea.”

When questioned about whether the CIA had the authority to target Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump dismissed the inquiry as “ridiculous” but acknowledged that “Venezuela is feeling heat.” This statement underscores the administration’s increasing pressure on not just Venezuela, but also its neighboring countries.

In a notable shift in strategy, Trump confirmed that the U.S. military is considering land strikes against drug cartels operating in Venezuela. “We are certainly looking at land now because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he stated. This marks an unprecedented approach, as previous administrations have primarily relied on law enforcement to tackle drug trafficking.

On October 10, 2023, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a video showcasing a recent military strike on an alleged drug boat linked to Venezuela. Since September 2, 2023, the Trump administration has ordered military actions against at least five vessels in the Caribbean Sea, which they claim were transporting drugs to the U.S. However, the administration has yet to provide concrete evidence to support these allegations.

The announcement raises critical legal questions about the use of military force against drug trafficking operations. When pressed on how the administration identifies drug-laden boats, Trump insisted the intelligence was reliable but did not offer specific proof. He also criticized traditional Coast Guard efforts, stating, “We’ve been doing that for 30 years and it has been totally ineffective.”

As tensions rise and U.S. military operations expand, the international community watches closely. The implications of Trump’s announcements could significantly impact relations in South America and alter the landscape of U.S. foreign policy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve and potential military actions could unfold in the near future.