Trump Confirms CIA Operations Targeting Venezuelan Cartels
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump revealed Wednesday that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is conducting covert operations within Venezuela, aimed at disrupting drug cartels he accuses of supplying fentanyl into the United States. The confirmation follows weeks of reported U.S. military actions against vessels suspected of cartel activity off the Venezuelan coast, raising legal adn ethical questions about the scope of executive authority and the definition of armed conflict.
The disclosure marks a notable escalation of the Trump administration’s approach to combating drug trafficking, moving beyond conventional law enforcement tactics to what amounts to a shadow war. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns over the lack of openness surrounding the operations, questioning the legal justification for designating cartels as “unlawful combatants” and the potential for unintended consequences in a politically volatile region. The move impacts U.S. foreign policy, international law, and the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking, potentially setting a precedent for future covert actions abroad.
Trump defended the operations, asserting that decades of conventional anti-drug efforts had proven ineffective. “Because we’ve been doing that for 30 years, and it has been totally ineffective,” he stated. ”They have faster boats.They’re world-class speedboats, but they’re not faster than missiles.”
The administration’s actions have included reported strikes on boats believed to be involved in the drug trade, prompting criticism from human rights organizations who allege the strikes may violate international law and constitute extrajudicial killings.Despite these actions, the U.S. Coast Guard continues its standard practise of intercepting vessels and seizing narcotics.
Lawmakers are demanding further details regarding the criteria used to identify targets and the legal basis for the operations. The lack of clarity has fueled debate over whether the administration has overstepped its authority and potentially initiated an undeclared armed conflict. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation and continued scrutiny from Congress and international observers.
