Background of the Decision
United States President Donald Trump has declared that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. This is coming on the heels of recent American military incursions in the Caribbean Sea against narco-smuggling vessels. Trump has been keen on stopping the illegal shipment of drugs to America since the start of his reign.
Reason Behind the Authorization
Trump addressed the Oval Office to say that there are enormous amounts of drugs pouring into the U.S. from Venezuela. He stated that the new operation aims at stopping drug shipments by sea and combating crime that is being committed by Venezuelans currently being held in U.S. prisons. He added that there are some groups contemplating additional criminality.
When asked whether the CIA was authorized to act against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump did not provide a direct response. The New York Times had already released this authorization before Trump officially confirmed it.
Political Reactions
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen attacked Trump's action. Although she supported the necessity of tight control over drug smuggling, she said that taking the use of CIA covert operations without Congressional approval was wrong. Shaheen also asked if the action would lead the United States into yet another foreign war.
Military Operations in the Caribbean
In a bid to back the anti-drug campaign, the United States' military has ramped up its operations within the Caribbean Sea. Warships, submarines, and sophisticated fighter planes have been sent to the region. Five of the smuggling boats have already been sunk by the U.S., Trump claimed. He conceded that some individuals were killed during the operations.
Summary
Trump's support of CIA operations in Venezuela represents a new peak in the U.S. war against drug trafficking. The administration views it as a move to advance national security, while critics express concerns about possible danger and legal issues of going around Congress.
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