BREAKING: The CIA is set to establish a permanent base in Caracas, Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S. intelligence operations in Latin America. This urgent development, confirmed by anonymous U.S. sources, mirrors the agency’s controversial strategies employed in Ukraine.
Just announced by a source to CNN, the new outpost will enable CIA agents to engage with both the government of Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and local opposition groups. The move signals a potential shift towards regime change efforts in a country that has long been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy.
President Nicolas Maduro is currently in U.S. custody, and the Biden administration is prioritizing the establishment of this CIA annex to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities. The base is expected to open before a formal U.S. embassy, allowing for direct outreach to key Venezuelan political figures.
This development comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump‘s authorization of covert operations in Venezuela last October, shortly before Maduro was captured by U.S. special forces. Following this, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a pivotal visit to meet with Rodriguez and military leaders to strategize further actions.
The parallels to the CIA’s operations in Ukraine are alarming. As reported by the New York Times, the agency played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, establishing numerous covert bases and training local intelligence operatives. The CIA’s past involvement in Ukraine included developing a paramilitary force that conducted operations on Russian soil.
Why this matters NOW: Analysts warn that the CIA’s expanded presence in Venezuela could facilitate U.S. support for regime change not only in Caracas but also potentially in neighboring countries like Cuba and Colombia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that regime change in Cuba could be a priority, suggesting a coordinated approach to destabilizing governments in the region.
Currently, U.S. officials are relying heavily on information from Cuban exiles based in Miami. However, with a permanent CIA base in Venezuela, intelligence operations will be bolstered, allowing agents to gather information more effectively and position themselves closer to potential allies in Havana.
Despite the strategic advantages, Maduro’s government remains wary of U.S. intentions. In recent speeches, Maduro has accused the CIA of plotting against his administration, emphasizing that Venezuelans alone will resolve their internal issues. Rodriguez has echoed these sentiments, condemning “Washington’s orders” and asserting that Venezuelans are determined to address their challenges independently.
This situation is rapidly evolving, and U.S. intelligence must navigate a complex landscape. Unlike Ukraine’s post-Maidan scenario, Maduro’s regime retains control, albeit with a more U.S.-sympathetic leader in Rodriguez. The CIA will need to cultivate relationships within the government and opposition to succeed.
What’s next? As the CIA prepares to establish its base in Caracas, all eyes will be on how this will influence U.S. relations with Venezuela and its neighbors. The potential for increased military and covert operations raises significant geopolitical stakes in Latin America, with implications that could reverberate far beyond the region.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops. The implications of the CIA’s actions in Venezuela could reshape the political landscape in Latin America and beyond, making this a critical moment for U.S. foreign policy.
