NYT: CIA secretly gave mandate for operations in Venezuela

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has quietly authorised the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela and the Caribbean region.

The mandate includes “lethal operations” and may be conducted either autonomously or in coordination with broader U.S. military actions. Details and specific plans remain unknown, The New York Times reports, citing U.S. officials, 

When asked whether the authorisation extends to actions against President Nicolás Maduro, Trump declined to answer. Earlier, he confirmed the fact of having approved CIA covert activity in Venezuela.

The White House and the CIA have both declined to comment.

By Khagan Isayev