The Venezuelan regime is immersed in a state of paranoia as the Trump administration continues to ramp up pressure in the Caribbean and taking steps towards potential military action in the country, according to a new report.
Citing two active Venezuelan intelligence officers, the Financial Times detailed that agents are "sucking up to bosses to that they or their families don't get arrested."
"The assumption is that everyone is a traitor until they prove otherwise," one agent said. "Nobody can be trusted."
The outlet added that authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro is also tightening his security arrangements, noting that his recent public appearances have been announced at the last minute. He has appeared in front of selected crowds and party members. It is a departure with previous scheduling, which was announced ahead of time, and he would appear along with other top officials.
The developments come as President Donald Trump has reportedly authorized CIA plans for covert operations inside Venezuela. The New York Times detailed that such operations could pave the way for further action against the Venezuelan regime. It is not clear what the options are or when they could be carried out.
However, since Trump has not yet authorized combat forces on the ground, the next phase could be sabotage or cyber, psychological or information operations. In fact, other outlets reported during the weekend that Washington D.C. considered dropping leaflets in Venezuela showing the $50 million reward the U.S. is offering for information that could lead to the capture of Maduro.
At the same time, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is set to visit the Caribbean on Monday. Citing two people familiar with the matter, the NYT added that the stated reason for the trip of Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is thanking troops ahead of Thanksgiving.
However, the outlet added, Caine was key in developing Operation Southern Spear, the largest buildup of forces in the region since the Cuban Missile Crisis, and which has seen more than 20 strikes against alleged drug vessels that have so far killed over 80 people.
On Friday, the U.S. also issued a NOTAM advisory over a "potentially hazardous situation" near Venezuela's main airport, Maiquetia, due to the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around" the country. And on Monday the Cartel de los Soles, which the U.S. accuses Maduro and other top officials of leading, was officially designated as a terrorist organization.
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