Story perspectives

Covert CIA Operations in Venezuela Heighten Tensions with Maduro

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A covert CIA team conducted sabotage operations in Venezuela to facilitate a U.S. military strike against President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation reflects the CIA's increased focus on Latin America, with intelligence collection reportedly rising by 51% under Director John Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe recently met with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, marking the highest-level U.S. visit since Maduro's seizure.
Opposition supporters criticized the meeting for sidelining Edmundo González, the elected leader.

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Story summary

A covert CIA team conducted sabotage operations in Venezuela to facilitate a U.S. military strike against President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation reflects the CIA's increased focus on Latin America, with intelligence collection reportedly rising by 51% under Director John Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe recently met with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, marking the highest-level U.S. visit since Maduro's seizure.
Opposition supporters criticized the meeting for sidelining Edmundo González, the elected leader.