US Authorizes Secret Actions in Venezuela – Level 2

The President of the United States has authorized covert actions in Venezuela. Officially, the mission is to combat drug cartels in the Caribbean, but these operations are widely seen as targeting the regime of Nicolás Maduro with the goal of his removal. The New York Times initially broke the story. President Donald Trump later confirmed the report at a press conference, stating there were several reasons to permit CIA activities in Venezuela and hinting at the possibility of ground operations. However, he avoided directly answering if the primary objective was to oust Maduro. In recent weeks, the U.S. has increased its military presence near the Venezuelan coast, attacking vessels it claimed belonged to narco-terrorists. The U.S. Navy has also dispatched warships, an amphibious squadron, and submarines to the region, with about 10,000 troops stationed nearby. Washington considers Maduro a fugitive and has offered a $50 million reward for his capture. In response, Maduro described Trump’s statements as “warlike and extravagant,” accusing the U.S. of attempting a coup. Consequently, Venezuela has mobilized its defense forces in major cities.

New Words:

1. Covert: Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret.
Example: The spy was involved in a covert operation to gather intelligence.
2. Regime: A government, especially an authoritarian one.
Example: The people protested against the oppressive regime.
3. Fugitive: A person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution.
Example: The fugitive was on the run for three weeks before being caught.