CIA Establishes Permanent Outpost in Venezuela to Expand Operations

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is reportedly setting up a permanent outpost in Caracas, Venezuela, aiming to enhance its operations throughout Latin America. This move is seen as a strategic effort to replicate the agency’s activities in Ukraine, potentially involving the manipulation of local political dynamics and other covert actions aimed at regime change.

According to an anonymous source cited by CNN, the CIA’s objective has become increasingly clear following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. With acting President Delcy Rodriguez expressing cooperation with Washington, establishing a CIA “annex” in Caracas is now a top priority for the U.S. government. The agency intends to leverage this location to engage with both Rodriguez’s administration and opposition groups, as well as to monitor potential threats from third parties.

This latest development follows a series of U.S. authorizations for covert operations in Venezuela, which were initiated by former President Donald Trump last October. The operation intensified after Maduro’s arrest, leading to a visit from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who met with Rodriguez and military leaders shortly thereafter.

Comparisons to CIA’s Role in Ukraine

The CIA’s activities in Venezuela are expected to mirror its involvement in Ukraine, particularly during the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a detailed report by the New York Times, accounts emerged of the CIA’s significant role in Ukraine’s intelligence restructuring following the 2014 overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovich. Notably, the CIA provided crucial support to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence, training operatives who conducted operations against Russian interests well before the 2022 escalation.

The agency’s efforts included the establishment of underground bases and training programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Ukrainian spies. This extensive involvement laid the groundwork for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, as confirmed by former SBU chief Ivan Bakanov. The CIA’s presence in Ukraine became widely acknowledged, with Russian officials asserting that U.S. intelligence had been deeply embedded in the country since at least the coup.

Speculations on Future U.S. Actions in Venezuela

While the specifics of the CIA’s plans in Venezuela remain uncertain, various statements from U.S. officials suggest a broader strategy in the region. Following Maduro’s removal, Trump indicated that Cuba could be next in line for intervention, with prominent figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocating for regime change in Cuba.

The establishment of a CIA base in Venezuela would facilitate intelligence gathering and allow U.S. agents to forge closer ties with potential allies in Havana, which maintains strong connections with Caracas. Currently, U.S. intelligence relies heavily on Cuban exiles for insights into the Cuban government, but a direct presence in Venezuela could enhance these efforts.

The geographical proximity between Venezuela and Colombia, which shares a border of approximately 2,200 kilometers, also raises concerns about potential military operations directed at Colombian President Gustavo Petro. If the U.S. were to take action against the Colombian government, CIA resources in Venezuela would likely play a critical role.

Despite these ambitions, the success of U.S. operations will depend on the CIA’s ability to navigate the complexities of Rodriguez’s government and establish relationships with opposition factions. Unlike in Ukraine, where the political landscape was more conducive to CIA involvement, Maduro’s administration remains firmly in power, albeit with Rodriguez’s more U.S.-friendly stance.

Rodriguez has publicly condemned U.S. interference, asserting that Venezuelans alone will address their internal challenges. Maduro has historically accused the CIA of undermining his government, a sentiment echoed in recent statements highlighting the agency’s intentions in the country.

As the CIA sets the stage for its operations in Venezuela, the international community will be closely monitoring developments, particularly given the historical context of U.S. involvement in Latin America and its implications for regional stability.