On Thursday, the Venezuelan Minister of Defense asserted that any operations conducted by the CIA against the country are destined to fail. This statement comes in response to President Donald Trump’s authorization for the agency to perform covert actions in the South American nation.
Vladimir Padrino stated, “We are aware of the CIA’s presence in Venezuela,” adding, “They might deploy operatives, although I cannot specify their number, to carry out secret operations… Any attempt will be unsuccessful.”
Last week, Trump revealed that he had permitted the CIA to engage in clandestine actions against Venezuela, including considering strikes against alleged drug gangs on land.
Padrino oversaw military exercises along Venezuela’s coast in retaliation for the U.S. military fleet’s deployment in Caribbean waters.
The U.S. has indicated that its warships are prepared for anti-drug operations; however, Caracas views this move as part of a scheme to unseat President Nicolás Maduro.
U.S. strikes targeting boats in the Caribbean have resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 individuals, whom their governments or families claim were mostly civilians and fishermen.
Experts question the legality of employing lethal force in international waters against suspects who have neither been intercepted nor interrogated.
Trump has accused Maduro of leading a drug trafficking operation, a claim which the president of Venezuela firmly denies.