During a press conference at the White House, Trump commented that, although he did not detail his plans, “without We are undoubtedly considering the land now because we have control of the sea.”

This statement further increases tensions between the US and Venezuela, which is in the midst of a political and economic crisis.

Authorizes CIA for covert operations

Trump also confirmed what The New York Times had already reported: he authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela, targeting the activities of Nicolas Maduro’s government.

According to Trump, Venezuelan leaders have “emptied their prisons” to send prisoners to the United States, accusing Caracas of being responsible for sending large quantities of drugs to US territory.

This accusation is part of a prolonged confrontation between the two governments, with Washington intensifying its efforts to overthrow President Maduro.

Regarding questions about whether he authorized the CIA to “eliminate” Maduro, Trump called the question “ridiculous” and avoided giving details additional.

However, the president acknowledged that Venezuela is under pressure and suggested that several countries in the region are also feeling the consequences of the situation in the Caribbean country. This statement could be interpreted as an implicit threat to continue pressuring Maduro on various fronts, including covert intelligence actions.

Justification for the attacks on drug trafficking

Trump justified the recent bombings against vessels in the Caribbean claiming that the interdictions carried out by the US Coast Guard "never worked."

The president explained that each of these vessels, which according to Washington were transporting drugs,It contained enough narcotics to cause the deaths of thousands of people from overdoses. In his words, “You lose three people (drug traffickers) and you save 25,000.” This type of military action has intensified in recent weeks and has sparked growing international concern.

The Campaign Against Maduro

According to reports in The New York Times, the recent operations in the Caribbean and off the Venezuelan coast are part of a broader US plan to overthrow the government of Nicolas Maduro. Although it is not yet known whether the CIA is already carrying out operations, the possibility of direct military action is on the table.

The United States has on several occasions attacked vessels that, according to US authorities, were transporting drugs. These operations have claimed the lives of approximately thirty people.

For its part, the Venezuelan government flatly rejects the US accusations, denying any links to the Cartel of the Suns, a term used by Washington to refer to Venezuelan officials involved in drug trafficking, and denouncing what they consider a campaign of intimidation by the US government.