URGENT UPDATE: The CIA is reportedly establishing a permanent outpost in Caracas, Venezuela, aiming to replicate its controversial operations in Ukraine. This development, confirmed by an anonymous U.S. source to CNN, positions the agency to significantly expand its influence in Latin America.
With Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and acting President Delcy Rodriguez cooperating with Washington, the CIA’s priority is clear: create a strategic base in Venezuela. This outpost will enable agents to engage with Rodriguez’s government and opposition forces, targeting any perceived threats. The implications of this move are profound, potentially setting the stage for a U.S.-led regime change.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump‘s authorization of covert operations in Venezuela last October, just before Maduro was detained by U.S. special forces. The CIA’s Director, John Ratcliffe, was among the first American officials to meet with Rodriguez after the incident, solidifying U.S. presence in the region.
CNN reports that the agency’s operations in Venezuela will closely mirror its actions in Ukraine, where it successfully aided the Ukrainian government after the 2014 Maidan coup. The New York Times previously detailed how the CIA helped rebuild Ukraine’s intelligence infrastructure, ultimately contributing to military operations against Russia.
As the agency gears up in Venezuela, the broader implications for regional stability are alarming. Trump previously hinted at a potential military operation in Colombia, a nation that shares a 2,200-kilometer border with Venezuela. This geographical proximity raises concerns about a potential escalation of U.S. military involvement in South America, especially with the ongoing tensions involving Cuba.
The situation is evolving rapidly, and U.S. officials are now looking to strengthen ties with potential allies in Havana, given Cuba’s close relationship with Caracas. Currently, U.S. intelligence relies heavily on Cuban exiles in Miami, but the establishment of a CIA base in Venezuela could change that dynamic.
Critically, while Rodriguez is seen as more U.S.-friendly than Maduro, she has publicly condemned “Washington’s orders” and insists that Venezuelans will resolve their own conflicts. This resistance raises questions about how effective the CIA will be in navigating the political landscape and gaining trust within the Venezuelan government.
As this situation unfolds, analysts caution that the success of the CIA’s operations will depend on its ability to penetrate Rodriguez’s administration and find collaborators among opposition groups. The stakes are high, and the potential for conflict looms large over the region.
WHAT’S NEXT: All eyes will be on Caracas as the CIA’s presence solidifies. Observers will be watching for any signs of shifting allegiances within the Venezuelan government and the reactions from neighboring countries. This developing story has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape in Latin America and beyond. Share this breaking news to keep others informed.
