Sunburn: Florida Politics Update
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Donald Trump Administration Authorizes Covert CIA Action in Venezuela
According to The New York Times via Julian E. Barnes and Tyler Pager, the Trump administration has secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela, targeting Nicolás Maduro, the country’s authoritarian leader.
The authorization is the latest step in the Trump administration’s intensifying pressure campaign against Venezuela.
- The US military has been targeting boats off the Venezuelan coast, reportedly transporting drugs, resulting in 27 deaths.
- American officials have privately stated that the ultimate goal is to drive Maduro from power.
- The new authority allows the CIA to carry out lethal operations in Venezuela and conduct various operations in the Caribbean.
The agency can take covert action against Maduro or his government, either alone or as part of a larger military operation.
Author's summary: Trump administration escalates pressure on Venezuela with covert CIA action.