US President Donald Trump has authorized covert CIA operations targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the country. According to the New York Times, the plan involves military, psychological, and information operations aimed at increasing pressure on the Maduro government. The White House has rejected Maduro’s proposal to step down, which was reportedly discussed in back-channel negotiations, while deploying warships to the Caribbean and conducting strikes on small boats it claims are involved in drug smuggling from Venezuela. Maduro has denied the allegations and warned against a potential US military conflict.
Venezuela has condemned the military buildup as a violation of sovereignty and a coup attempt, placing its military on high alert. Russia has reaffirmed its support for the country’s leadership in defending its sovereignty. The New York Times reports that while Trump has not yet deployed combat forces to Venezuela, Washington’s next steps could involve ‘sabotage or some sort of cyber, psychological, or information operations’ aimed at increasing pressure on the Maduro government.
Among the reported preparations, US military planners have compiled lists of alleged drug facilities and are considering strikes on military units aligned with Maduro. Trump convened two meetings in the White House Situation Room last week to discuss Venezuela and evaluate strategies with his senior advisers. While instructing the CIA to prepare covert operations, Trump simultaneously resumed back-channel negotiations with Maduro after briefly pausing talks last month. During these informal discussions, Maduro has reportedly indicated a willingness to grant US energy companies access to Venezuela’s oil reserves. Trump acknowledged the negotiations on Sunday, stating, ‘We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out.’
The White House maintains that Maduro is an illegitimate, cartel-linked ruler, fueling speculation that direct military action might be imminent. Maduro has denied the drug trafficking allegations and warned the US against launching ‘a crazy war.’ Venezuela has condemned the military buildup as a violation of sovereignty and a coup attempt, placing its, military on high alert. Russia recently reaffirmed its support for the country’s leadership in defending its sovereignty.