16.10.2025 07:51
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has granted the CIA permission to conduct operations in Venezuela under the pretext of "drug trafficking." This decision could lead to a new crisis at a time when 10,000 U.S. troops are present in the region.
US President Trump spoke at a press conference held at the White House about allegations that the CIA is conducting covert operations in Venezuela. Trump confirmed the claim that he authorized the CIA in this regard, arguing that it is fundamentally based on the justification of "fighting drugs coming to the US through Venezuela."
"I GAVE APPROVAL FOR TWO REASONS"
The US President stated, "In fact, I gave approval for two reasons. The first is that they emptied their prisons and brought these criminals to the US. They entered through the border because we have an open border policy."
Trump argued that the other justification is the fight against drugs brought to the US from this country, stating, "A significant amount of drugs is coming from Venezuela, and most of it is coming by sea, but we will also stop them by land."
HE DID NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION ABOUT MADURO
On the other hand, US President Trump avoided answering a question about whether the CIA has been authorized to target Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump said, "I don't want to answer such a question. It's a silly question to ask me. Actually, it's not a silly question, but wouldn't it be silly for me to answer? But I think Venezuela is under pressure."
Trump, who claimed that Venezuela is "filling the US with irregular immigrant 'convicts, mentally ill people, and criminals,'" stated that they will no longer allow this and that they will continue to monitor the sea in the Caribbean.
The US has 10,000 troops at its bases in Puerto Rico. In the Caribbean, a total of 8 warships and one submarine are on duty.
THE MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE REGION IS CAUSING CONCERN WORLDWIDE
US President Trump had previously issued an executive order instructing the military to be used more extensively and effectively in the fight against Latin American drug cartels.
In this context, at the end of August, a naval force consisting of a submarine and warships was sent to the waters off Venezuela, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US military is ready for operations, including regime change in Venezuela.
In response, Venezuelan President Maduro announced that he has mobilized 4.5 million militia forces in the country and is ready to repel any attack.
On the other hand, the US's continued targeting of some boats off the coast of Venezuela on the grounds of "drug trafficking" has led to criticism from both the Venezuelan government and the international community, with claims that the attacks are "contrary to international law."