On 15 October, US President Donald Trump confirmed authorizing CIA covert operations in Venezuela, citing drug trafficking and the transfer of former prisoners to the US as justifications. Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of being a hub for fentanyl trafficking and ordered a major US military buildup in the southern Caribbean, with troops conducting at least five strikes on vessels. The Venezuelan government condemned the move as a serious violation of international law and a “regime change” attempt. The confirmation raises US-Venezuela tensions, increasing the risk of miscalculations and potential conflict.