Venezuela: A Not-So-Covert CIA Disaster in the Making
Venezuela, once an oil-rich regional power, is now a geopolitical flashpoint where covert operations, economic warfare, and foreign interference collide. Leaked reports confirm deep CIA involvement in destabilizing Nicolás Maduro’s government—yet instead of “restoring democracy,” these efforts risk pushing Venezuela into deeper turmoil.
A Legacy of U.S. Intervention in Latin America
The U.S. has a long history of political meddling in the region, from Chile’s 1973 coup to the Iran-Contra scandal. Venezuela, with its massive oil reserves and anti-U.S. stance, has been a key target since Hugo Chávez’s rise in 1999. Washington has:
– Funded opposition groups
– Backed failed coups (like the 2002 attempt against Chávez)
– Imposed crippling economic sanctions
Under Trump, the U.S. recognized Juan Guaidó as “interim president”—a CIA-backed gambit that fizzled. Despite Biden’s softer rhetoric, covert ops continue, worsening the crisis.
The CIA’s Covert War in Venezuela
Leaks reveal the CIA’s multi-pronged strategy:
- Funding Opposition Groups – Millions funneled to anti-Maduro factions, some linked to extremists.
- Cyber Warfare & Disinformation – Hacks and propaganda campaigns to fuel unrest.
- Economic Strangulation – Oil sanctions trigger hyperinflation and mass migration.
Result? Maduro remains in power, using U.S. aggression to justify crackdowns.
Blowback: How U.S. Tactics Are Failing
The CIA’s playbook is backfiring:
– Humanitarian Crisis – Sanctions block food/medicine imports, worsening suffering.
– Stronger Alliances for Maduro – Venezuela now leans on Russia, China, and Iran.
– Rise of Criminal Networks – Cartels and paramilitaries exploit the chaos.
Disturbingly, some CIA-backed factions reportedly have ties to far-right extremists—undermining U.S. claims of supporting democracy.
A Better Path Forward
Instead of covert ops and sanctions, alternatives could include:
– Direct Diplomacy – Engage Maduro in talks (as seen in recent sanctions relief negotiations).
– Unconditional Humanitarian Aid – Help civilians without political strings.
– Regional Partnerships – Collaborate with Latin American allies for stability.
The Bottom Line: The U.S. claims to want democracy in Venezuela, but its methods—regime change ops and economic warfare—suggest otherwise. Unless Washington changes course, this intervention will end in disaster.
Follow NextMinuteNews for more geopolitical deep dives.
