US President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations inside Venezuela to destabilize the government of President Nicolás Maduro, in what officials say could be a prelude to military action, according to a report. Citing multiple officials, the Times said the covert campaign could precede broader military action. He reiterated that his government remains open to direct negotiations with Washington, calling diplomacy Caracas’s "invariable" position. Trump's administration accuses Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking — allegations the Venezuelan government has repeatedly and firmly denied. The US attacks have drawn sharp condemnation from former officials, analysts and international observers, who say Washington’s militarized posture toward Venezuela exposes a familiar strategy of regime change in Latin America.

Source: The Times November 20, 2025 05:46 UTC