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Trump Administration Authorizes Covert CIA Action in Venezuela
According to Julian E. Barnes and Tyler Pager of The New York Times,
"The Trump administration has secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela, stepping up a campaign against Nicolás Maduro, the country’s authoritarian leader."
The authorization is part of the Trump administration's intensifying pressure campaign against Venezuela. The US military has been targeting boats off the Venezuelan coast, reportedly transporting drugs, resulting in 27 deaths. American officials have stated that the ultimate goal is to drive Maduro from power.
- The new authority allows the CIA to carry out lethal operations in Venezuela.
- The agency can conduct a range of operations in the Caribbean.
- Covert action can be taken against Maduro or his government, either alone or as part of a larger military operation.
Author's summary: Trump administration escalates pressure on Venezuela with covert CIA action.