Washington D.C. | US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed a covert operation conducted by the CIA in Venezuela, fueling speculation over whether it aims at regime change.
The announcement follows recent developments in Venezuela, including opposition leader María Corina Machado receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and reportedly informing Trump of political changes in the country. While the US maintains the operation targets drug trafficking networks, critics warn it could serve to bolster opposition forces.
Trump cited two main reasons for the intervention: the alleged influx of drugs into the US from Venezuela and what he described as a “criminal invasion,” involving prisoners and mentally ill individuals entering the US due to lax border controls. “Venezuela emptied its prisons and mental institutions into the United States… they were down and dirty,” Trump said.
The US does not recognize President Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following disputed elections, intensifying tensions over Washington’s involvement in Caracas.
