Strikes Considered

President Trump confirmed that he authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela and said he’s considering strikes on Venezuelan soil.

Context

The US has built up a significant military presence in the Caribbean region over recent months, with approximately 10,000 troops stationed in the area, mostly in Puerto Rico. The Navy has deployed eight surface warships and a submarine to the Caribbean. Since early September, US forces have conducted at least five strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela. The Trump Administration has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as illegitimate and described him as a “narcoterrorist,” offering $50M for information leading to his arrest on drug trafficking charges.

Public Acknowledgment

Speaking to reporters at the White House alongside FBI and Justice Department officials on Wednesday, Trump made the unusual move of publicly confirming the CIA authorization.