Trump Deploys CIA To Hold Operations In Venezuela, Carakas Considers Maduro Overthrowment Efforts

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump deployed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. This decision marks a sharp increase in US efforts to suppress President Nicolas Maduro's administration.

The New York Times first reported on the secret directive, citing US officials familiar with the decision.

The official said the Trump administration's strategy in Venezuela was aimed at overthrowing Maduro from power. The US government is offering $50 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest and sentencing on drug trafficking charges.

The new authority will allow the CIA to carry out deadly operations in Venezuela and carry out various operations in the Caribbean, the Times reported.

When asked why he allowed the CIA to operate in Venezuela, Trump told reporters the reason was the migration of Venezuelans to the United States and drug trafficking.

"I allow it for two reasons," Trump said. "First, they have vacated their prisons to the United States they entered through the border. They entered because our borders are open," he said.

"And another reason is drugs," Trump said.

Trump has yet to provide evidence of his claims about Venezuela sending former detainees to the US.

According to Trump, the US has made progress in intercepting drug shipments at sea, and additional efforts are now focused on land routes.

"We are eyeing land routes now, because we have controlled the sea very well," Trump said.

Historically, the CIA's involvement in such operations has varied widely, ranging from direct paramilitary involvement to intelligence gathering and supporting roles with little or no physical traces.

The CIA has a long history of operations in Latin America, especially during the Cold War, and helped overthrow the South American cocaine trade empire in the late 20th century. Reuters reported that the CIA had been carrying out secret operations in Mexico for years to track down the country's most wanted drug dealers.

The Venezuelan government declared Trump's statement a violation of international law and stated that the US action was aimed at legitimizing the "regime change" operation with the aim of seizing the country's oil resources.

"Our Permanent Mission at the United Nations will submit this complaint to the Security Council and Secretary-General tomorrow, demanding accountability from the United States government," Venezuela said in a statement released by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on his Telegram account.