Trump Authorizes CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela to Pressure Maduro

CIA Covert Operations Authorized

• ⚡ President Donald Trump confirmed he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
• 🎯 The authorization was made for two primary reasons: the migration of Venezuelans to the US and drug trafficking.

Escalation of US Pressure on Maduro

• 📈 This CIA authorization represents a sharp escalation in US efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government.
• 📰 The New York Times initially reported the classified directive, citing US officials who stated the strategy aims to remove Maduro from power.
• ⚠️ Trump declined to answer if the CIA has the authority to execute Maduro, calling the question ridiculous.

Venezuela's Response and International Law

• ⚖️ Venezuela's government stated Trump's remarks violated international law.
• ⛽ They accused the US of aiming for regime change with the goal of seizing the country's oil resources.
• 🌍 Venezuela's foreign minister announced plans to raise a complaint with the UN Security Council and Secretary General.
• ❓ Reuters could not independently verify the specific actions authorized, and the White House declined to provide further details.