CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a stern warning on Thursday, asserting that any covert operations by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) against his nation would be unsuccessful. This statement came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent authorization of clandestine CIA activities targeting Venezuela. Padrino emphasized that while the CIA’s presence in the country is acknowledged, any attempts to destabilize Venezuela through covert means would be met with failure. Trump’s decision to greenlight such operations follows his earlier announcement of considering strikes against alleged drug cartels on land, complementing an ongoing maritime campaign against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. The escalating tensions between the two nations underscore the deepening geopolitical rift, with Venezuela firmly positioning itself against perceived U.S. interference.
Venezuela defence minister vows any CIA operation against country ‘will fail’
