US President Considers Land-Based Military Action
United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has authorised the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. He also indicated that his administration is considering land-based military operations within the country as tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas.
The announcement comes after multiple deadly US strikes on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean Sea over recent weeks, killing at least 27 people and drawing criticism from international legal experts.
Trump’s Justifications for CIA Operations
At a White House news conference, Trump cited two primary reasons for authorising CIA action:
- Alleged Venezuelan efforts to send prisoners to the United States
- Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking, particularly via maritime routes
Trump implied that the US may now also target land-based drug operations. “We’ve almost totally stopped it by sea. Now, we’ll stop it by land,” he said, framing the strikes as a success in combatting narcotics smuggling.
Venezuela’s Response
The Venezuelan government condemned the US actions, accusing Washington of violating international law and the United Nations Charter. President Nicolas Maduro rejected any attempts at regime change and warned that US interventions echo the failures of past conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.
Maduro’s government stated that the CIA authorisation is part of a broader plan to seize control of Venezuelan resources, highlighting the rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Escalation of US Military Actions
Since early September, the US has conducted at least five air strikes against small vessels off the Venezuelan coast. Trump described the strikes as targeting “narco-terrorists” to protect Americans from drug-related harm, including fentanyl trafficking.
Legal analysts argue these actions may constitute extrajudicial killings and violate international law, as the individuals targeted are not traditional armed combatants. Despite repeated requests, the US government has not publicly released evidence linking the vessels to drug trafficking.
Claiming Wartime Powers
Trump has asserted wartime authority through measures such as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, framing Venezuela as orchestrating an “invasion” of migrants and criminal networks into the US. Intelligence assessments, however, have found little direct evidence connecting Maduro to these activities, raising questions about the legal basis for military operations.
In addition, Trump has designated groups like Tren de Aragua as “foreign terrorist organisations,” although experts note this label alone does not provide a legal justification for lethal action.
International and Domestic Implications
Trump’s authorisation of CIA operations and potential land intervention signals a major escalation in US-Venezuela relations. Both countries have strengthened their military presence in the Caribbean Sea, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.
Observers warn that continued US strikes could inflame tensions, provoke retaliatory actions, and complicate diplomatic efforts to address drug trafficking and security challenges in Latin America.
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