Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Washington, October 16 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the move.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, D. Trump accused Caracas of releasing prisoners and mentally ill people in order to illegally enter the United States and smuggle large quantities of drugs.
“They emptied their prisons and shipped thousands and thousands of prisoners, people from mental hospitals, insane asylums, into the United States,” Trump said without providing evidence.
Asked whether he authorized the CIA to kill N. Maduro, D. Trump refused to answer, saying: “I think Venezuela is feeling the heat.”
D. Trump added that his administration is considering the possibility of strikes on land. "Right now, we're certainly considering land, because we have complete control of the sea," he said.
According to media reports, shortly after Trump's comments, N. Maduro condemned what he called a "CIA-organized coup."
According to the New York Times, the new powers allow the CIA to conduct missions in Venezuela and the Caribbean, as well as coordinate with other US military operations in the region.
“Trump administration officials have made clear privately that the ultimate goal is to remove Mr. Maduro from power,” the New York Times reports, adding that about 10,000 American troops, eight warships and one submarine are currently stationed in the Caribbean, primarily in Puerto Rico.
Since September, the US has attacked five ships in international waters off the coast of Venezuela suspected of carrying drugs, killing 27 people.
Earlier this month, the White House notified Congress that the United States is in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels, which the country has designated as terrorist organizations. –0–
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