The Global Story Why has Trump authorised CIA action in Venezuela?
9 snips
Oct 17, 2025 Will Grant, a seasoned BBC correspondent with deep roots in Venezuela, dives into President Trump's recent authorization of CIA covert actions in the country. He unpacks the recent U.S. strikes on Venezuelan boats suspected of drug trafficking and the controversial violence that ensued. The discussion touches on the complex interplay between combating drug trade and political maneuvering against the Maduro regime. Will also shares insights on the historical context of CIA operations in Latin America and speculates on the ramifications of these escalating tensions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Public Authorisation Marks Escalation
- The Trump administration publicly authorised covert lethal CIA actions in Venezuela, signalling a clear escalation.
- Public comments framed these actions as targeting drug trafficking and migrants rather than explicit regime-change planning.
Maritime Strikes Without Public Evidence
- The US destroyed a speedboat in international waters, killing 11, and provided no public evidence for the claim it carried drugs.
- That strike set a pattern of intermittent maritime attacks that raised questions about legal and evidentiary standards.
Legal Labels Expand Operational Reach
- Labeling drug gangs as 'foreign terrorist organizations' expands legal authority for unilateral action against them.
- The fentanyl threat central to US politics predominantly originates from Mexico and China, not Venezuela.