President Donald Trump has authorized a covert strategy against Venezuela, including CIA operations targeting President Nicolas Maduro’s government, as part of a broader US approach involving military, psychological, and information pressure. According to a report by the New York Times, the White House has approved additional measures to pressure Venezuela and prepare for a potential broader military campaign, including covert operations by the CIA. The report also mentions that Trump has resumed back-channel negotiations with Maduro, who had previously offered to step down after a delay of several years. However, the White House rejected this proposal, according to the outlet.
The Pentagon has deployed warships to the Caribbean and carried out controversial strikes on small boats it claims are involved in drug smuggling from Venezuela. 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.”
The report states 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. According to the outlet, Trump convened two meetings in the White House Situation Room last week to discuss Venezuela and evaluate strategies with his senior advisers.
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