The new authorization will allow the CIA to carry out lethal operations in Venezuela and conduct a series of secret missions across the Caribbean.
(upd) The U.S. intervention in Venezuela is taking on the character of an open coup and blatant invasion, with President Donald Trump giving the CIA the green light to carry out covert operations in the Latin American country aimed at overthrowing its elected president, Nicolas Maduro.
This approval marks the latest step in the Trump administration’s escalating pressure on Venezuela, with President Maduro erupting in a speech against “CIA-instigated coups” against the backdrop of U.S. warships deployed in the Caribbean, officially presented as a counter-narcotics operation.
“No to war in the Caribbean (…)
No to regime change, reminiscent of endless failed wars in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq (…)
No to CIA-instigated coups,” Maduro said, just hours after President Trump gave the CIA “free rein” to begin conducting secret operations on Venezuelan soil.
It is worth noting that for weeks, the U.S. military has been targeting vessels off the coast of Venezuela allegedly transporting drugs, resulting in 27 fatalities. U.S. officials privately acknowledge that the ultimate goal is to remove Maduro from power.
Authorization for lethal CIA operations
The new authorization will allow the CIA to conduct bloody operations in Venezuela and carry out a series of covert missions across the Caribbean.
The American intelligence agency will be able to conduct secret operations against Maduro or his government, either unilaterally or in conjunction with a larger military operation.
It is not known whether the CIA is currently planning an operation in Venezuela or if these powers are intended for contingency purposes.
Confirmed by the U.S. President
Shortly after a New York Times report revealed the U.S. government’s plans, Donald Trump confirmed the information, also mentioning that the United States is considering carrying out attacks within Venezuelan territory.
“I don’t want to say more, but we are definitely looking at the ground because we have control of the sea,” he told reporters.
When asked why attacks on ships were necessary instead of Coast Guard inspections, he replied, “We’ve been trying to do this for years.”
“Nothing ever worked when you tried it in a very politically correct way,” the Republican added regarding the use of the Coast Guard instead of air strikes.
However, he avoided, as expected, confirming the New York Times report claiming he authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela against President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
When asked if he indeed gave the intelligence agency the order to “neutralize” the Venezuelan leader, he responded, “That is a ridiculous question. Not really ridiculous, but would it be ridiculous for me to answer?”
Pressure from the U.S. Military — Code name “Overthrow Maduro”
This development comes as the U.S. military is reportedly planning its own potential escalation, drawing up options for President Trump, which include strikes inside Venezuela.
The scale of U.S. military deployment in the region is significant: there are currently 10,000 American troops in the area, mostly based in Puerto Rico, along with a Marine contingent aboard amphibious assault ships.
In total, the U.S. Navy has deployed eight cruisers and one submarine in the Caribbean.
Furthermore, the new authorizations, known in intelligence terminology as “presidential directives,” have been confirmed by multiple U.S. officials speaking to the New York Times under the condition of anonymity due to the highly classified nature of the document.
Rubio and Ratcliffe orchestrate a nefarious coup
President Trump ordered an end to diplomatic talks with the Maduro government this month, saying he was “frustrated” by the Venezuelan leader’s refusal to accept U.S. demands for a voluntary resignation from power.
The CIA has long been authorized to cooperate with Latin American governments on security matters and intelligence sharing. That cooperation has allowed the agency to work with Mexican officials to target drug cartels. However, those authorizations do not permit the CIA to carry out direct lethal operations.
The Trump administration’s Venezuela strategy — developed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the help of John Ratcliffe, director of the CIA — now clearly aims at overthrowing Maduro. Ratcliffe has said little about what his agency is doing in Venezuela, but he has promised that the CIA under his leadership will become more aggressive. During his confirmation hearing, Ratcliffe said he would make the CIA less risk‑averse and more willing to conduct covert operations when ordered by the president, “going where no one else can go and doing what no one else can do.”
Venezuela responds with Sukhoi fighters and S‑300 systems
On the other side, Military Watch Magazine has highlighted a potential “X factor” that could change everything in the escalating confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuela; namely, the Russian Sukhoi Su‑30MK2 fighters Caracas is raising as a shield against U.S. cruisers.
The U.S. Navy has deployed a task force of warships for operations off Venezuela’s coast amid high tensions between Washington and Caracas, as the United States appears to be stepping up covert efforts to unseat President Nicolás Maduro. The operation includes at least three Arleigh Burke‑class destroyers and a nuclear‑powered attack submarine, together with some 4,000 Marines.
Chávez fortified Venezuela’s skies with powerful Sukhois
The approach of the U.S. fleet brings into focus Venezuela’s armed forces capabilities, which remain among the largest and best‑equipped in Latin America thanks to massive procurements under President Hugo Chávez in the 2000s.
The country’s airspace is considered the best‑protected on the continent: beyond long‑range S‑300VM systems and complementary shorter‑range batteries, Venezuela fields the Americas’ fighter with the greatest operational radius: the Su‑30MK2. These aircraft represent, by far, the biggest obstacle to any hostile attempt to violate Venezuelan airspace.
Venezuela answers with warships and drones
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced in August an increase in naval presence and the deployment of surveillance drones in the country’s northern waters. At the same time, President Maduro called for the voluntary recruitment of thousands of citizens into the Bolivarian National Guard to safeguard national sovereignty.
The response was dramatic: thousands of Venezuelans from across society turned up to join the paramilitary force. The government wants to show that the population is ready to defend the country against “external threats.”
The Trump administration has ramped up its rhetoric against Venezuela, accusing Maduro of colluding with drug cartels and calling him “the world’s largest drug trafficker.” The U.S. Department of Justice has doubled the reward for his capture to $50 million, while the anti‑cartel operation has resulted in the deployment of warships, submarines and thousands of Marines to the region.
Caracas prepares for invasion – Anti‑tank obstacles, arms transport, and survival drills
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has activated a national defense plan, preparing for a possible U.S. invasion. Photos circulating show anti‑tank obstacles (hedgehogs) being placed along the strategically vital Caracas–La Guaira highway, which connects the capital with the port and airport.
At the same time, military exercises were conducted for rapid evacuation of camps, transport of sensitive documents and weapons, and retreat to alternative underground command centers. Videos from Marine operations in Catia La Mar were released, while the activation of YLC-18 radar systems at El Junquito and the deployment of Buk-M2E air defense systems at La Carlota base were confirmed.
Venezuela’s strong air defense
Venezuela’s air defense remains formidable, largely thanks to Russia. The country fields S‑300 and Buk systems for intercepting aircraft and cruise missiles. It also maintains older systems (S‑125/SA‑3, SA‑2), radar units, and smaller air defense weapons sourced from Soviet-era supplies and subsequent acquisitions/upgrades. These systems cover multiple altitudes and operational roles.
Systems like the S‑300 (all variants) can serve as a strong deterrent against individual air strikes or limited-range incursions. Their presence forces adversaries to plan SEAD/DEAD (suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses) campaigns, increasing the cost and risk of any operation.
Russian support for Venezuela
1. Deterrence and Political Cover: Russian backing operates on two levels: (a) it technically enhances Venezuela’s defensive capabilities, and (b) it sends a political signal to the U.S. and its allies that any operation carries an international dimension.
2. Training & Logistics: If Russia has provided extensive training and spare parts support, the cost of any U.S. operation increases.
3. Risk of Escalation: Direct Russian involvement (e.g., deployment of modern systems with personnel/technicians on site) could trigger unpredictable international reactions.
U.S. Military activity in the Caribbean and airspace
At the same time, U.S. military helicopters — H‑6Ms and MH‑60Ms from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOCOM) — were recorded flying near Trinidad and Tobago, fueling speculation about potential air and sea intervention.
Although the second phase of the U.S. operation — reportedly including targeted strikes within Venezuela — has not yet commenced, military pressure continues to escalate.
UN calls for restraint — But chances of de‑escalation are falling
On October 10 the UN Security Council met in an emergency session.
Miroslav Jenca, the UN Secretary‑General’s Assistant for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue: “We remind all that any action against internationally organised crime must comply with international law and the UN Charter.”
Analysts, however, say de‑escalation is not the most likely outcome. Washington has not ruled out a military option: the prospect of toppling the Maduro regime could grant the United States access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves — among the largest in the world.
The U.S. and Venezuela walk a tightrope
The situation resembles far more than a simple diplomatic crisis; it has the dynamics of a conflict being prepared for war. Maduro’s government is politically and militarily encircled, yet it is not powerless. It fields heavy weaponry and Russian air‑defence systems, and segments of the population — notably in poorer neighbourhoods — have declared their readiness to resist any intervention.
A critical question looms: what if the U.S. invades but fails to secure a quick victory?
The prospect of a new “Vietnam,” “Iraq” or “Afghanistan” in Latin America — with protracted occupation, guerrilla warfare and international condemnation — is a real fear in Washington.
The U.S.–Venezuela crisis is a powder keg with global consequences. As diplomatic channels grow thin and military maneuvers continue, the likelihood of a large‑scale conflict in the Western Hemisphere is rising dangerously — with dire implications for the Venezuelan people and the wider region.
Maduro: “With 5 million soldiers we’ll crush Trump’s Marines” — Caracas pushes back
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has confirmed plans to mobilise 4.5 million members of the Bolivarian militia in response to what he called Washington’s “irrational threats.”
The Trump administration has been steadily increasing pressure on Venezuela, using the drug‑trafficking issue as a pretext. In February, the United States designated the criminal group Tren de Aragua and several Mexican cartels as global terrorist organisations. Earlier this month Washington doubled its reward for Maduro’s capture to $50 million, and U.S. officials have accused him of being “the world’s largest drug trafficker” who colludes with cartels to traffic cocaine mixed with fentanyl.
In recent days the U.S. has dispatched a naval task force of 4,000 personnel, including an amphibious unit, multiple guided‑missile destroyers, a nuclear attack submarine and several maritime patrol aircraft, to the Caribbean and Latin America as part of anti‑cartel operations.
“This week I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militia members to cover the entire national territory — militia who are prepared, activated and armed,” Maduro announced on state television, without commenting directly on the latest U.S. deployments.
www.bankingnews.gr
This approval marks the latest step in the Trump administration’s escalating pressure on Venezuela, with President Maduro erupting in a speech against “CIA-instigated coups” against the backdrop of U.S. warships deployed in the Caribbean, officially presented as a counter-narcotics operation.
“No to war in the Caribbean (…)
No to regime change, reminiscent of endless failed wars in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq (…)
No to CIA-instigated coups,” Maduro said, just hours after President Trump gave the CIA “free rein” to begin conducting secret operations on Venezuelan soil.
It is worth noting that for weeks, the U.S. military has been targeting vessels off the coast of Venezuela allegedly transporting drugs, resulting in 27 fatalities. U.S. officials privately acknowledge that the ultimate goal is to remove Maduro from power.
Authorization for lethal CIA operations
The new authorization will allow the CIA to conduct bloody operations in Venezuela and carry out a series of covert missions across the Caribbean.
The American intelligence agency will be able to conduct secret operations against Maduro or his government, either unilaterally or in conjunction with a larger military operation.
It is not known whether the CIA is currently planning an operation in Venezuela or if these powers are intended for contingency purposes.
Confirmed by the U.S. President
Shortly after a New York Times report revealed the U.S. government’s plans, Donald Trump confirmed the information, also mentioning that the United States is considering carrying out attacks within Venezuelan territory.
“I don’t want to say more, but we are definitely looking at the ground because we have control of the sea,” he told reporters.
When asked why attacks on ships were necessary instead of Coast Guard inspections, he replied, “We’ve been trying to do this for years.”
“Nothing ever worked when you tried it in a very politically correct way,” the Republican added regarding the use of the Coast Guard instead of air strikes.
However, he avoided, as expected, confirming the New York Times report claiming he authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela against President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
When asked if he indeed gave the intelligence agency the order to “neutralize” the Venezuelan leader, he responded, “That is a ridiculous question. Not really ridiculous, but would it be ridiculous for me to answer?”
Pressure from the U.S. Military — Code name “Overthrow Maduro”
This development comes as the U.S. military is reportedly planning its own potential escalation, drawing up options for President Trump, which include strikes inside Venezuela.
The scale of U.S. military deployment in the region is significant: there are currently 10,000 American troops in the area, mostly based in Puerto Rico, along with a Marine contingent aboard amphibious assault ships.
In total, the U.S. Navy has deployed eight cruisers and one submarine in the Caribbean.
Furthermore, the new authorizations, known in intelligence terminology as “presidential directives,” have been confirmed by multiple U.S. officials speaking to the New York Times under the condition of anonymity due to the highly classified nature of the document.
Rubio and Ratcliffe orchestrate a nefarious coup
President Trump ordered an end to diplomatic talks with the Maduro government this month, saying he was “frustrated” by the Venezuelan leader’s refusal to accept U.S. demands for a voluntary resignation from power.
The CIA has long been authorized to cooperate with Latin American governments on security matters and intelligence sharing. That cooperation has allowed the agency to work with Mexican officials to target drug cartels. However, those authorizations do not permit the CIA to carry out direct lethal operations.
The Trump administration’s Venezuela strategy — developed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the help of John Ratcliffe, director of the CIA — now clearly aims at overthrowing Maduro. Ratcliffe has said little about what his agency is doing in Venezuela, but he has promised that the CIA under his leadership will become more aggressive. During his confirmation hearing, Ratcliffe said he would make the CIA less risk‑averse and more willing to conduct covert operations when ordered by the president, “going where no one else can go and doing what no one else can do.”
Venezuela responds with Sukhoi fighters and S‑300 systems
On the other side, Military Watch Magazine has highlighted a potential “X factor” that could change everything in the escalating confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuela; namely, the Russian Sukhoi Su‑30MK2 fighters Caracas is raising as a shield against U.S. cruisers.
The U.S. Navy has deployed a task force of warships for operations off Venezuela’s coast amid high tensions between Washington and Caracas, as the United States appears to be stepping up covert efforts to unseat President Nicolás Maduro. The operation includes at least three Arleigh Burke‑class destroyers and a nuclear‑powered attack submarine, together with some 4,000 Marines.
Chávez fortified Venezuela’s skies with powerful Sukhois
The approach of the U.S. fleet brings into focus Venezuela’s armed forces capabilities, which remain among the largest and best‑equipped in Latin America thanks to massive procurements under President Hugo Chávez in the 2000s.
The country’s airspace is considered the best‑protected on the continent: beyond long‑range S‑300VM systems and complementary shorter‑range batteries, Venezuela fields the Americas’ fighter with the greatest operational radius: the Su‑30MK2. These aircraft represent, by far, the biggest obstacle to any hostile attempt to violate Venezuelan airspace.
Venezuela answers with warships and drones
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced in August an increase in naval presence and the deployment of surveillance drones in the country’s northern waters. At the same time, President Maduro called for the voluntary recruitment of thousands of citizens into the Bolivarian National Guard to safeguard national sovereignty.
The response was dramatic: thousands of Venezuelans from across society turned up to join the paramilitary force. The government wants to show that the population is ready to defend the country against “external threats.”
The Trump administration has ramped up its rhetoric against Venezuela, accusing Maduro of colluding with drug cartels and calling him “the world’s largest drug trafficker.” The U.S. Department of Justice has doubled the reward for his capture to $50 million, while the anti‑cartel operation has resulted in the deployment of warships, submarines and thousands of Marines to the region.
Caracas prepares for invasion – Anti‑tank obstacles, arms transport, and survival drills
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has activated a national defense plan, preparing for a possible U.S. invasion. Photos circulating show anti‑tank obstacles (hedgehogs) being placed along the strategically vital Caracas–La Guaira highway, which connects the capital with the port and airport.
At the same time, military exercises were conducted for rapid evacuation of camps, transport of sensitive documents and weapons, and retreat to alternative underground command centers. Videos from Marine operations in Catia La Mar were released, while the activation of YLC-18 radar systems at El Junquito and the deployment of Buk-M2E air defense systems at La Carlota base were confirmed.
Venezuela’s strong air defense
Venezuela’s air defense remains formidable, largely thanks to Russia. The country fields S‑300 and Buk systems for intercepting aircraft and cruise missiles. It also maintains older systems (S‑125/SA‑3, SA‑2), radar units, and smaller air defense weapons sourced from Soviet-era supplies and subsequent acquisitions/upgrades. These systems cover multiple altitudes and operational roles.
Systems like the S‑300 (all variants) can serve as a strong deterrent against individual air strikes or limited-range incursions. Their presence forces adversaries to plan SEAD/DEAD (suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses) campaigns, increasing the cost and risk of any operation.
Russian support for Venezuela
1. Deterrence and Political Cover: Russian backing operates on two levels: (a) it technically enhances Venezuela’s defensive capabilities, and (b) it sends a political signal to the U.S. and its allies that any operation carries an international dimension.
2. Training & Logistics: If Russia has provided extensive training and spare parts support, the cost of any U.S. operation increases.
3. Risk of Escalation: Direct Russian involvement (e.g., deployment of modern systems with personnel/technicians on site) could trigger unpredictable international reactions.
U.S. Military activity in the Caribbean and airspace
At the same time, U.S. military helicopters — H‑6Ms and MH‑60Ms from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOCOM) — were recorded flying near Trinidad and Tobago, fueling speculation about potential air and sea intervention.
Although the second phase of the U.S. operation — reportedly including targeted strikes within Venezuela — has not yet commenced, military pressure continues to escalate.
UN calls for restraint — But chances of de‑escalation are falling
On October 10 the UN Security Council met in an emergency session.
Miroslav Jenca, the UN Secretary‑General’s Assistant for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue: “We remind all that any action against internationally organised crime must comply with international law and the UN Charter.”
Analysts, however, say de‑escalation is not the most likely outcome. Washington has not ruled out a military option: the prospect of toppling the Maduro regime could grant the United States access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves — among the largest in the world.
The U.S. and Venezuela walk a tightrope
The situation resembles far more than a simple diplomatic crisis; it has the dynamics of a conflict being prepared for war. Maduro’s government is politically and militarily encircled, yet it is not powerless. It fields heavy weaponry and Russian air‑defence systems, and segments of the population — notably in poorer neighbourhoods — have declared their readiness to resist any intervention.
A critical question looms: what if the U.S. invades but fails to secure a quick victory?
The prospect of a new “Vietnam,” “Iraq” or “Afghanistan” in Latin America — with protracted occupation, guerrilla warfare and international condemnation — is a real fear in Washington.
The U.S.–Venezuela crisis is a powder keg with global consequences. As diplomatic channels grow thin and military maneuvers continue, the likelihood of a large‑scale conflict in the Western Hemisphere is rising dangerously — with dire implications for the Venezuelan people and the wider region.
Maduro: “With 5 million soldiers we’ll crush Trump’s Marines” — Caracas pushes back
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has confirmed plans to mobilise 4.5 million members of the Bolivarian militia in response to what he called Washington’s “irrational threats.”
The Trump administration has been steadily increasing pressure on Venezuela, using the drug‑trafficking issue as a pretext. In February, the United States designated the criminal group Tren de Aragua and several Mexican cartels as global terrorist organisations. Earlier this month Washington doubled its reward for Maduro’s capture to $50 million, and U.S. officials have accused him of being “the world’s largest drug trafficker” who colludes with cartels to traffic cocaine mixed with fentanyl.
In recent days the U.S. has dispatched a naval task force of 4,000 personnel, including an amphibious unit, multiple guided‑missile destroyers, a nuclear attack submarine and several maritime patrol aircraft, to the Caribbean and Latin America as part of anti‑cartel operations.
“This week I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militia members to cover the entire national territory — militia who are prepared, activated and armed,” Maduro announced on state television, without commenting directly on the latest U.S. deployments.
www.bankingnews.gr
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