The United States is reportedly working to establish a permanent CIA presence in Venezuela following the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro, according to a CNN report cited by multiple news outlets.
Sources familiar with the planning tell CNN that the Central Intelligence Agency is quietly coordinating with the U.S. State Department to define both short- and long-term operations inside the South American nation amid a fragile political transition and ongoing security challenges. While the State Department is expected to lead long-term diplomatic relations, the CIA is likely to play a central role in initiating Washington’s re-engagement with Caracas.
Strategic Intelligence Role Ahead of Formal Diplomacy
According to the report, U.S. officials may first operate through a CIA annex or foothold before the official reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. This phased approach aims to facilitate informal contact with members of Venezuela’s interim government, opposition figures, and local intelligence services — channels that traditional diplomacy alone may not reach.
A U.S. official quoted by CNN framed the strategy bluntly: “The State Department plants the flag, but the CIA exerts real influence.” The presence would allow U.S. intelligence to assess threats, engage with key stakeholders on the ground, and help shape the country’s political trajectory following Maduro’s capture earlier this month.
Background: Post-Maduro Political Landscape
The planning comes after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was detained in early January, prompting a swift shift in Venezuelan politics and heightened international scrutiny of U.S. strategy in the region. In addition to intelligence planning, Washington has taken early steps toward reopening its diplomatic mission in Caracas and renewing formal relations with Venezuelan authorities.
Implications for U.S.–Venezuela Relations
Analysts say that a permanent CIA presence would represent a major escalation in U.S. engagement, reflecting both security concerns and broader geopolitical interests in Latin America. While U.S. diplomats traditionally lead bilateral relations, the intelligence community’s expanded footprint underscores Washington’s intent to influence Venezuela’s post-Maduro transition more assertively.
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue in Washington, details remain fluid. U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed specific timelines or operational plans. However, sources indicate that establishing a CIA presence is a priority, with long-term implications for regional diplomacy, security cooperation, and Venezuela’s political landscape.
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