The NYT said the CIA's covert operation in Venezuela was authorized by the Trump administration

The administration of US President Donald Trump could have secretly authorized the CIA to conduct operations in Venezuela as part of a campaign of pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. This was announced on October 15 by The New York Times newspaper, citing American officials.

According to the newspaper, the CIA allegedly received the so—called "presidential find" - a secret permit giving the agency the right to conduct "deadly operations" in Venezuela and the Caribbean. The sources specify that the actions can be carried out either independently or with the support of the US armed forces.

"This is another step by the Trump administration aimed at increasing pressure on Maduro. The ultimate goal is to achieve his removal from power," said one of the interlocutors of the publication.

The publication notes that the decision coincided with the build-up of the American military presence in the region. Currently, there are about 10,000 US military personnel in the Caribbean, as well as ships and a submarine of the country's naval forces (Navy).

Cartel verdict: The United States and Venezuela are on the verge of a military clash

What weapons can Washington use and how will Caracas defend itself?

Earlier, on October 14, Donald Trump announced that the US military had attacked a ship off the coast of Venezuela, which, according to intelligence, was carrying drugs. As a result of the operation, six people were eliminated, whom Washington called participants in "drug-terrorist networks."

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