US Authorizes Secret Actions in Venezuela – Level 3

The U.S. President has granted himself carte blanche to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, suggesting that authorizing ground military actions is also a possibility. The official pretext for this escalation is a war against drug cartels in the Caribbean, but the underlying objective appears to be the ousting of Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The New York Times first published the revelation, noting it was unclear if CIA actions were already underway. President Trump subsequently confirmed the authorization during a press conference, alluding to multiple justifications for intervention without explicitly stating that overthrowing Maduro was the primary goal. This development follows recent U.S. airstrikes on vessels near the Venezuelan coast, which were allegedly used by narco-terrorists. Furthermore, the U.S. Navy has bolstered its regional presence with warships, submarines, and an amphibious squadron, supported by approximately 10,000 troops. Washington has officially labeled Maduro a fugitive, offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro condemned Trump’s “bellicose and extravagant” declarations as an attempted coup and has mobilized defense agencies in response.

New Words:

1. Carte blanche: Complete freedom to act as one thinks best.
Example: The director was given carte blanche to make the movie he wanted.
2. Pretext: A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.
Example: He used the doctor’s appointment as a pretext for leaving work early.
3. Bellicose: Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
Example: The president delivered a bellicose speech against the enemy nation.