President Donald J. Trump has officially confirmed that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, citing national security concerns linked to drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
In a statement issued from the White House, President Trump said he approved the operations after intelligence assessments revealed Venezuela’s escalating role in the trafficking of narcotics into the United States. He also accused the Venezuelan government of deliberately releasing prisoners and individuals from mental institutions who have since crossed the U.S. southern border.
“The actions of the Venezuelan regime pose a direct threat to American lives and our national security,” the President declared. “We will not sit idly by while dangerous elements are sent into our country.”
White House officials declined to specify the scope or nature of the CIA’s activities, citing operational security. However, senior administration sources indicated the operations are “targeted, strategic, and fully authorized under existing U.S. intelligence directives.”
The Venezuelan government has not yet issued an official response, though state media there have previously condemned U.S. interference as “imperialist aggression.” Analysts warn that the development could further strain relations between Washington and Caracas, which have remained tense since the imposition of U.S. sanctions earlier this year.
