Khaberni - Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino confirmed on Thursday that any operation conducted by the American Central Intelligence Agency "CIA" against his country is destined to fail, following US President Donald Trump's authorization for the agency to conduct covert operations against the South American state.
Padrino said, "We know that the Central Intelligence Agency is present" in Venezuela, adding "they might deploy units I don't know the number of, to carry out covert operations (...) and any attempt will fail."
Trump disclosed last week that he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations against Venezuela, and that he is considering directing strikes against alleged drug cartels on land.
Padrino oversaw military exercises along the coasts of Venezuela in response to the United States deploying a military fleet in the Caribbean Sea waters.
Washington stated that its warships are ready to carry out drug enforcement operations, but Caracas believes they are part of a scheme to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro.
American strikes targeting boats in the Caribbean Sea resulted in the death of about 40 people, whose governments or relatives claim were mostly civilians and fishermen.
Experts question the legality of using lethal force in international waters against suspects who have not been intercepted or interrogated.
Trump accuses Venezuelan President Maduro of leading a drug cartel, but the latter vehemently denies it.
